Jump to content

9 Great 3D-Printed Models of the Spine


Angel Sosa

11,821 views

3D-Printed Models of the Spine 

In this week's post, we want to share with you some of the best 3D-printed models of the spine uploaded by embodi3D® members. We will explore features of this unique anatomy and some of the main uses of 3D printing as it relates to the spine . To convert your own scans and download and 3D-print STL files from other users, all you have to do is register with embodi3D®. It's quick, easy, and costs absolutely nothing to join.

 

Anatomical models have applications in clinical training and surgical planning as well as in medical imaging research. The Wall Street Journal recently ran an article to discuss the many ways 3D printing is changing the face of healthcare. The article also highlighted a case where a 3D model of a pelvis was used to plan a surgical operation on a young female patient. 

 

Image of a hand holding a model of a human lumbar vertebra, used to demonstrate the possibilities of 3D-printed models of the spine and pelvis.

A full-scale, anatomical model of a human lumbar vertebra created with embodi3D®.

 

In terms of clinical applications, the physical interaction with models facilitates learning anatomy and how different structures interact spatially in the body. Simulation-based training with anatomical models reduces the risks of surgical interventions, which are directly linked to patient experience and healthcare costs. 

 

Surgical planning

3D printing (3DP) is most frequently utilised in spinal surgery in the pre-operative planning stage. A full-scale, stereoscopic understanding of the pathology allows for more detailed planning and simulation of the procedure. Assessing complex pathologies on a model overcomes many of the issues associated with traditional 3D imaging, such as the lack of realistic anatomical representation and the associated complexity of computer-related skills and techniques. 

 

Summary of 3DP in spinal surgery planning

 

1999 D’Urso et al. (4) Osteogenesis imperfecta, cervicothoracic deformity, lumbar spinal fusion, cervical osteoblastoma

1999 D’Urso et al. (5) Craniofacial, maxillofacial and skull base cervical spine pathologies.

2005 D’Urso et al. (6) Complex spinal disorders.

2007 Guarino et al. (7) Multiplane spinal and pelvic deformities.

2007 Izatt et al. (8) Deformities, spinal tumours.

2007 Paiva et al. (9) Cervical Ewing Sarcoma.

2008 Mizutani et al. (10)Rheumatoid cervical spine.

2009 Madrazo et al. (11)Degenerative cervical disease.

2010 Mao et al. (12) Kyphoscoliosis, congenital malformations, neuromuscular disease.

2010 Yang et al. (13) Kyphoscoliosis.

2011 Wu et al.(14) Severe congenital scoliosis.

2013 Toyoda et al. (15) Atlantoaxial subluxation.

2014 Yang et al. (16) Atlantoaxial instability.

2015 Li et al.(17) Revision lumbar discectomy.

2015 Kim et al. (18)Thoracic tumours.

2015 Sugimoto et al. (19) Congenital kyphosis.

2015 Yang et al. (20) Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

2016 Goel et al. (21) Craniovertebral junction anomalies.

2016 Wang et al. (22) Congenital scoliosis, atlas neoplasm, atlantoaxial dislocation.

2016 Xiao et al. (23) Cervical bone tumours.

2017 Guo et al. (24) Cervical spine diseases.

 

Imaging Anatomy
There are 33 spinal vertebrae, which comprise two components: A cylindrical ventral bone mass, which is the vertebral body,and the dorsal arch.
7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar bodies
• 5 fused elements form the sacrum
• 4-5 irregular ossicles form the coccyx
Arch
• 2 pedicles, 2 laminae, 7 processes (1 spinous, 4 articular,
2 transverse)
• Pedicles attach to the dorsolateral aspect of the body
• Pedicles unite with a pair of arched flat laminae
• Lamina capped by dorsal projection called the spinous process
• Transverse processes arise from the sides of the arches
The two articular processes (zygapophyses) are diarthrodial joints.
• (1) Superior process bearing a facet with the surface directed dorsally
• (2) Inferior process bearing a facet with the surface directed ventrally
Pars interarticularis is the part of the arch that lies between the superior and inferior articular facets of all subatlantal movable elements. The pars are positioned to receive biomechanical stresses of translational forces displacing superior facets ventrally, whereas inferior facets remain attached to dorsal arch (spondylolysis). C2 exhibits a unique anterior relation between the superior facet and the  posteriorly placed inferior facet. This relationship leads to an elongated C2 pars interarticularis, which is the site of the
hangman's fracture. 

 

 

1. An Exceptional Human Lumbar Vertebra Converted from a CT Scan with embodi3D®

An anatomically accurate full-size human lumbar vertebra created from a real CT scan. The lumbar vertebral bodies are large, wide and thick, and lack a transverse foramen or costal articular facets. The pedicles are strong and directed posteriorly. The superior articular processes are directed dorsomedially and almost face each other. The inferior articular processes are directed anteriorly and laterally.

 

 

 

2. Create Your Own Lumbar Spine Model with a 3D-Printable STL File

A 3D printable STL file and medical model of the lumbar spine was generated from real CT scan data and is thus anatomically accurate as it comes from a real person. It shows the detailed anatomy of the lumbar (lower back) spine, including the vertebral bodies, facets, neural foramina and spinous proceses. 

 

 

 

3. A 3D Printer-Ready Spinal Column in Amazing Detail

Thoracic bodies are heart-shaped and increase in size from superior to inferior. Facets are present for rib articulation and the laminae are broad and thick.  Spinous processes are long, directed obliquely caudally. Superior facets are thin and directed posteriorly. The T1 vertebral body shows a complete facet for the capitulum of the first rib, and an inferior demifacet for capitulum of second rib. The T12 body has transitional anatomy, and resembles the upper lumbar bodies with the inferior facet directed more laterally

 

 

4. Create a 3D-Printed Model of Lumbar Vertebrae

The lumbar spine is formed by 5 lumbar vertebrae labelled L1-L5 and the intervening discs. Its main function is to provide stability and permits movement. The lumbar vertebral body is formed of 3 parts : Body, arch and spinal processes.

The body of the lumbar vertebrae is large, its transverse diameter is larger than is AP diameter, and is more thickened anteriorly.

The arch of the lumbar vertebra on the other hand is formed of pedicle, a strong structure that is projected from the back of the upper part of the vertebrae, and lamina which forms the posterior portion of the arch.

Another well reported benefit of 3DP models is improved patient education. A physical model is much easier for a patient to understand than complex MRI and CT scans. 

 

5. An NRRD File Showing the Whole Spine — See the Future of Medical 3D Printing

A Whole Spine (Dorsal-Lumbar-Sacral) and Aorta NRRD file from CT Scan for Medical 3D Printing As 3DP technology continues to become cheaper, faster and more accurate, its use in the setting of spinal surgery is likely to become routine, and in a greater number of procedures.

 

6. Download a 3D-Printable Thoracic Spine with Prevalent Scoliosis

A 3D printable STL file contains a model of the thoracic spine derived from a CT. The spine has significant scoliosis. In a recent embodi3D® article, we touched on the topic of how medical 3D printing is being used to plan spinal surgeries, such as in correcting the spinal curvature in scoliosis patients.

 

Scoliosis is considered to be present when there is a coronal plane curvature of the spine measuring at least 10°. However, treatment is not generally instituted unless the curvature is > 20-25°. The curvature may be balanced (returning to midline) or unbalanced. The vertebrae at the ends of the curve are designated the terminal (or end) vertebrae, while the apical vertebra is at the curve apex. Curvatures are described by the side to which they deviate. A dextroscoliosis is convex to the right, with its apex to the right of midline. A levoscoliosis is convex to the left, with its apex to the left of midline.


Curvatures can be categorized as flexible (normalizing with lateral bending toward the side of the curve) or structural (failing to correct). Most scoliotic curvatures are associated with abnormal curvature in the sagittal plane. These are described as kyphosis (apex dorsal) or lordosis (apex ventral).
 

Morphology of the Curvature 

 

Scoliosis due to fracture, congenital anomaly, or infection typically has an angular configuration. Other causes of scoliosis tend to have a smooth curvature. Scoliosis most commonly involves the thoracic spine, followed by the thoracolumbar spine. In the past, curves were categorized as
primary and secondary (compensatory), but it is often difficult to make the distinction and so these designations are no longer commonly used.

 

Measurement of Scoliosis


The Cobb method is most commonly used to measure scoliosis. The vertebrae at each end of the curve (the terminal vertebrae) are chosen. These are the endplates with the greatest deviation from the horizontal. The curvature is the angle between a line drawn along the superior endplate of superior terminal vertebra and a line along the inferior endplate of the inferior terminal vertebra. In severe curvatures, the endplates are often difficult to see. In that case, the inferior cortex of the pedicle can be used as the landmark for making the measurement. If measurements are made on hard copy radiographs, it is usually necessary to draw lines perpendicular to the endplates and measure the angle between the perpendicular lines.
Scoliosis is almost always associated with abnormal curvature in the sagittal plane. The most common finding is loss of normal thoracic kyphosis. The Cobb method can be used to determine sagittal plane deformity. Rotational deformity is often present but can only be grossly assessed on radiographs. It can be measured on CT scan by superimposing  the apical and terminal vertebrae.

 

 Normally, the T1 vertebra is centered over the L5 vertebra in both the coronal and sagittal planes. Coronal or sagittal plane imbalance can be measured as the horizontal distance between the center of the L5 vertebral body and a plumb line drawn through the center of the T1 vertebral body.

 

 

 

7. Dr. Mike's Excellent Tutorial on Converting CT Scans to 3D Printer-Ready STL Models

An excellent tutorial of A Ridiculously Easily Way to Convert CT Scans to 3D Printable Bone STL Models for Free in Minutes which allows you to follow along with the tutorial. Included is an anonymized chest abdomen pelvis CT in both DICOM and NRRD formats.

 

 

8. An MRI of a Lumbar Spine with Disc Bulge at L4-L5 and L5-S1

The term bulge is used to describe a generalized extension greater than 50% of the circumference of the disc tissues, extending a short distance (< 3 mm) beyond the edges of the adjacent apophyses. A bulge is not a herniation, although 1 portion of the disc may be bulging and another portion of the
disc may herniate. A bulge is often a normal variant, particularly in children in whom all normal discs appear to extend slightly beyond the vertebral body margin. Bulge may also be associated with disc degeneration or may occur as a response to axial loading or angular motion with ligamentous laxity. Occasionally, a bulge in 1 plane is really a central subligamentous disc herniation in  another plane. Asymmetric bulging of disc tissue greater than 25% of the disc circumference may be seen as an adaptation to adjacent deformity, and is not considered a form of herniation. Herniations are a localized displacement of disc material beyond the limits of the intervertebral disc space in any direction.

 

 

9. Using 3D Modeling to Understand the Severity of a Scoliosis Case

A 3D model of a severe scoliosis. CT scan should always be performed with reformatted images. Angled reformatted images and 3D reformations are often useful in assessment of severe curvatures. Some physicians find it useful to obtain both SPECT and CT images of degenerative scoliosis. An area of arthritis on CT scan, which shows increased uptake on SPECT, is probably a pain generator.


MR can be difficult to interpret when scoliosis is severe. Angled axial images should be obtained based on both sagittal and coronal scout images and angled along the plane of the vertebral endplate on both scouts. Sagittal images should be angled along each segment of the curvature. The coronal plane is often the most useful for evaluating bony anomalies, spondylolysis, or degeneration of the discs and facet joints.

 

 

 

 

References

 

1. Bücking, T. M., Hill, E. R., Robertson, J. L., Maneas, E., Plumb, A. A., & Nikitichev, D. I. (2017). From medical imaging data to 3D printed anatomical models. PloS one, 12(5), e0178540.

 

2. Wilcox, B., Mobbs, R. J., Wu, A. M., & Phan, K. (2017). Systematic review of 3D printing in spinal surgery: the current state of play. Journal of Spine Surgery, 3(3), 433.

 

3. Ross, J. S., Moore, K. R., Bryson Borg, M. D., Julia Crim, M. D., & Shah, L. M. (2010). Diagnostic imaging: spine: published by Amirsys®. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore.

 

4.  D'Urso PS, Askin G, Earwaker JS, et al. Spinal biomodeling.Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 1999;24:1247-51. 10.1097/00007632-199906150-00013.

 

5.  D'Urso PS, Barker TM, Earwaker WJ, et al. Stereolithographic biomodelling in cranio-maxillofacial surgery: a prospective trial. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 1999;27:30-7. 10.1016/S1010-5182(99)80007-9

 

6. D'Urso PS, Williamson OD, Thompson RG. Biomodeling as an aid to spinal instrumentation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2005;30:2841-5. 10.1097/01.brs.0000190886.56895.3d

 

7. Guarino J, Tennyson S, McCain G, et al. Rapid prototyping technology for surgeries of the pediatric spine and pelvis: benefits analysis. J Pediatr Orthop 2007;27:955-60. 10.1097/bpo.0b013e3181594ced

 

8. Izatt MT, Thorpe PL, Thompson RG, et al. The use of physical biomodelling in complex spinal surgery. Eur Spine J 2007;16:1507-18. 10.1007/s00586-006-0289-3

 

9.  Paiva WS, Amorim R, Bezerra DA, et al. Aplication of the stereolithography technique in complex spine surgery. Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2007;65:443-5. 10.1590/S0004-282X2007000300015

 

10. Mizutani J, Matsubara T, Fukuoka M, et al. Application of full-scale three-dimensional models in patients with rheumatoid cervical spine. Eur Spine J 2008;17:644-9. 10.1007/s00586-008-0611-3 

 

11. Mao K, Wang Y, Xiao S, et al. Clinical application of computer-designed polystyrene models in complex severe spinal deformities: a pilot study. Eur Spine J 2010;19:797-802. 10.1007/s00586-010-1359-0

 

12. Yang JC, Ma XY, Lin J, et al. Personalised modified osteotomy using computer-aided design-rapid prototyping to correct thoracic deformities. Int Orthop 2011;35:1827-32. 10.1007/s00264-010-1155-9

 

13. Wu ZX, Huang LY, Sang HX, et al. Accuracy and safety assessment of pedicle screw placement using the rapid prototyping technique in severe congenital scoliosis. J Spinal Disord Tech2011;24:444-50. 10.1097/BSD.0b013e318201be2a

 

14.  Toyoda K, Urasaki E, Yamakawa Y. Novel approach for the efficient use of a full-scale, 3-dimensional model for cervical posterior fixation: a technical case report. Spine (Phila Pa 1976)2013;38:E1357-60. 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3182a1f1bd 

 

15. Yang JC, Ma XY, Xia H, et al. Clinical application of computer-aided design-rapid prototyping in C1-C2 operation techniques for complex atlantoaxial instability. J Spinal Disord Tech 2014;27:E143-50.

 

16. Li C, Yang M, Xie Y, et al. Application of the polystyrene model made by 3-D printing rapid prototyping technology for operation planning in revision lumbar discectomy. J Orthop Sci 2015;20:475-80. 10.1007/s00776-015-0706-8

 

17. Kim MP, Ta AH, Ellsworth WA, 4th, et al. Three dimensional model for surgical planning in resection of thoracic tumors. Int J Surg Case Rep 2015;16:127-9. 10.1016/j.ijscr.2015.09.037 

 

18.  Sugimoto Y, Tanaka M, Nakahara R, et al. Surgical treatment for congenital kyphosis correction using both spinal navigation and a 3-dimensional model. Acta Med Okayama 2012;66:499-502.

 

19. Yang M, Li C, Li Y, et al. Application of 3D rapid prototyping technology in posterior corrective surgery for Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015;94:e582. 10.1097/MD.0000000000000582

 

20. Goel A, Jankharia B, Shah A, et al. Three-dimensional models: an emerging investigational revolution for craniovertebral junction surgery. J Neurosurg Spine 2016;25:740-4. 10.3171/2016.4.SPINE151268

 

21.  Wang YT, Yang XJ, Yan B, et al. Clinical application of three-dimensional printing in the personalized treatment of complex spinal disorders. Chin J Traumatol 2016;19:31-4. 10.1016/j.cjtee.2015.09.009

 

22. Xiao JR, Huang WD, Yang XH, et al. En Bloc Resection of Primary Malignant Bone Tumor in the Cervical Spine Based on 3-Dimensional Printing Technology. Orthop Surg 2016;8:171-8. 10.1111/os.12234

 

23. Guo F, Dai J, Zhang J, et al. Individualized 3D printing navigation template for pedicle screw fixation in upper cervical spine. PLoS One 2017;12:e0171509. 10.1371/journal.pone.0171509 

0 Comments


Recommended Comments

There are no comments to display.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...