Application of 3D-Printed Artificial Vertebrae in the Reconstruction After Resection of Complex Malignant Spinal Tumors.

STUDY

DESIGN

The reconstruction of the anterior vertebral body using 3D-printed artificial vertebrae after total en bloc spondylectomy for spinal tumors restores spinal stability.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the feasibility of using 3D-printed artificial vertebrae for spinal reconstruction after tumor resection.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Total en bloc spondylectomy is an effective surgical method for treating spinal tumors. However, reconstructing the vertebral body after tumor resection is challenging. 3D-printed artificial vertebrae offer a novel solution to this issue.

METHODS

From December 2016 to September 2023, 43 patients with malignant spinal tumors underwent vertebrectomy followed by reconstruction using 3D-printed artificial vertebrae. The cohort included 30 males and 13 females, aged 15-76 years, with a mean age of 58.0 years. Tumor types included 12 primary malignant tumors and 36 metastatic tumors. Clinical outcomes were assessed using preoperative and postoperative VAS scores at 24 hours and 3 months, Frankel grades, and radiologic evaluation of local tumor control and prosthesis subsidence.

RESULTS

Follow-up ranged from 3 to 31 months, with a mean of 10.9 months. There was a statistically significant improvement in VAS scores at 24 hours and 3 months postoperatively compared with preoperative scores ( P <0.01). Of the 43 patients, 42 (97.7%) showed at least one grade improvement in Frankel grade at the last follow-up. During the follow-up period, there were no cases of prosthesis subsidence among the patients who underwent reconstruction with 3D-printed artificial vertebrae.

CONCLUSION

Porous titanium artificial vertebrae produced by 3D printing technology exhibit good biocompatibility and mechanical stability, making them suitable for reconstruction after vertebrectomy.