3D printing in spine surgery

The surgical applications of three-dimensional (3D) printing and tissue engineering have been investigated since the early 2000s, though only recently has its use in spine surgery begun to be explored (1-3). The current, more common applications of 3D technology in spine surgery include models for use in preoperative planning, patient-specific surgical guides and templates, and teaching tools. However, the ability of 3D printed implants to effectively address variations in anatomy, size, bone quality and pathology in the population is now beginning to be appreciated. Expanding techniques in spine surgery require uniquely shaped implants and materials that are biocompatible. This review will discuss the current uses and future applications of 3D printing in spine surgery, highlighting the potential benefits as well as pitfalls and challenges to more widespread application