3D-Printed Spine Models for Planning Staged Minimally Invasive Transverse Process Resections for Bertolotti Syndrome: Technical Note.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) printing has enabled numerous advances in spine surgery execution and education. However, few examples exist to outline how this technology can aid the performance of complex spine surgery using minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques. Therefore, we present a case that illustrates the benefits of 3D-printed spine model production before and after correction of a congenital lumbosacral anomaly using an MIS approach.

CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old woman with Bertolotti syndrome underwent a staged bilateral L6 MIS transverse process resection for the treatment of severe and progressive axial back pain which had repeatedly failed conservative management. 3D-printed spine models were used for pre- and post-operative surgical planning and patient counseling.

CONCLUSION: 3D-printed spine models can aid in the planning of complex spine cases suited for an MIS approach.