Building a Stronger Backbone: 3D Printing’s Role in Treating Spinal Cord Conditions

Asian J Neurosurg, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0044-1788916 · Published: September 3, 2024

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) present significant medical challenges due to the limited ability of nerves to regenerate after injury. There is a need for better treatments. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has emerged as a technology that can help improve surgical precision when combined with medical imaging and bioengineering. This review examines 3DP as a treatment option for SCIs, considering factors like cost, effectiveness, safety, and technological limitations.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

237 individuals with various types of SCIs

Evidence Level

Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
3DP technologies are showing positive results in treating SCIs and have the potential to improve both surgical and non-surgical treatments.
2
3DP can enhance surgical precision and broaden the range of treatment options available for SCI patients.
3
The actual procedure costs for 3DP interventions varied from $65 to $5,000.

Research Summary

This systematic review explores the use of 3D printing (3DP) in treating spinal cord injuries (SCIs), assessing its cost, efficacy, safety, and technological constraints. The review analyzed 11 studies involving 237 individuals with various SCIs, finding that 3DP devices like orthoses and fusion cages showed positive treatment outcomes. 3DP technologies offer enhanced precision and a wider range of treatment options, potentially leading to more comprehensive and effective patient care for SCIs.

Practical Implications

Improved Surgical Precision

3DP combined with medical imaging enhances the accuracy of surgical procedures for spinal cord injuries.

Cost-Effective Solutions

3DP can provide cost-effective and customized solutions, such as hand orthoses, for SCI patients, improving their independence and quality of life.

Enhanced Patient Care

3DP offers a diverse range of treatment options and improved precision in SCI interventions, leading to more comprehensive and effective patient care.

Study Limitations

1
The cost of 3DP, which is often not covered by national health insurance, can restrict access to patients who face ﬁnancial constraints.
2
The study’s relatively small sample may constrain the generalizability of ﬁndings.
3
The retrospective nature of the study places constraints on the signiﬁcance level of the results.

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