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3D-Printed Artificial Vertebral Body
C

A B

D

E

Figure 9. Case 7. (A) Pre-operative X-ray and CT showing C1 and C2 tumor with pathological fracture and dislocation; (B) 3D imaging
visually showing tumor in C1~2; (C) 3D imaging visually showing vertebrae planned to be resected and replaced with 3D-printed artificial
vertebral body; (D) final titanium alloy implants; (E) post-operative X-ray showing reconstruction according to plan B, without the use of
the 3D printed implant due to mismatching.

A B C D

Figure 10. Case 8. (A) Pre-operative X-ray showing fractured internal fixation rod and L1 artificial vertebral body subsidence; (B) 3D
imaging visually showing the lesion; (C) 3D-printed artificial vertebral body and internal fixation system design; (D) post-operative X-ray
showing spinal reconstruction using extendable artificial vertebra.

4. Discussion 3D-printing technology has shown emerging and
A recent systematic review demonstrated that 3D printing promising application in personalized spinal implant
[13,14]
technology in orthopedics improves operative time, and reconstructive surgery . Given the novelty of
blood loss, fluoroscopy times, bone union time, pain, 3D-printed spinal implants, it is essential to conduct more
accuracy, function, and without an increase in operative prospective studies to explore its specific application
complications . Besides being used for preoperative scope, experience, outcomes, and potential problems [15,16] .
[12]
planning, surgery simulation, intraoperative navigation, In this study, we utilized 3D-printed spinal implants
patient education, and doctor-patient communication, for reconstruction surgery of complex spinal tumors. Most

90 International Journal of Bioprinting (2022)–Volume 8, Issue 3