Costs and Uses of 3D Printing in Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review
TL;DR
The financial impact in the surgical field throughout the entire process of producing 3D-printed objects, from planning and printing to the surgical center was detailed.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Three-dimensional (3D) printing has rapidly advanced in the healthcare field over the past decades, becoming more accessible due to the wide variety of technologies and materials available. This has secured 3D printing a prominent place in medical specialties, such as spinal surgery, due to its ability to create complex objects, including anatomical models of the spine and its adjacent structures, based on medical imaging. In this specialty, the technology can be used for both preoperative planning and intraoperative support through biomodels and surgical guides. To recognize and explore the use of 3D printing in spinal surgeries, a systematic review was conducted in two databases, focusing on its applications and cost reports. Of the 142 studies identified, only 13 were included in the review due to their strict relevance to the topic. Although scientific studies on the impact of 3D printing in healthcare remain scarce, largely due to a lack of broad, robust research, it was possible to detail the financial impact in the surgical field throughout the entire process of producing 3D-printed objects, from planning and printing to the surgical center. Economic and decision analyses were also conducted. Level of evidence II; review article.