![]() Sagittal alignment limbs (sa) are used to align the localizer with the midline of the spine. The spine localizer consists of a body that is centered over the putative incision site on the back of the patient and 2 lateral articulating arms that are placed on either side of the patient ( Fig. It is important to emphasize at the outset that the aim of this article to demonstrate the feasibility of online dissemination of neurosurgical tools rather than the usefulness of this particular device. Since the device is used prior to sterile preparation of the surgical site and does not require sterilization, it can be printed out of low-cost PLA by a common desktop 3D printer and used immediately in surgery. ![]() ![]() The 3D-printable version of that spine localizer presented in this article is a simplified device that does not rely on lasers but on the built-in guide light in the X-ray tube to resolve parallax caused by misalignment of the X-ray beam and the localizer arms. We have previously described a laser-guided spine localizer that is used in combination with portable radiographs to noninvasively locate the optimal incision site over a target spine segment. Furthermore, surgeons may readily share their design files via the internet with their colleagues throughout the world, who would then print and use the novel tools in their own practices.Īs proof of concept, in this article we provide a link to a downloadable 3D design file and discuss the assembly, testing and operation of a spine localizer that can be printed and used for spine surgery. Surgeon-inventors may upload their 3D design files online to a number of commercial sites that would print the objects from the desired metal in short order. While desktop 3D printers generally use plastic polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), which cannot be heat-sterilized, industrial printers can print objects using a variety of metals (e.g., stainless steel or titanium) that can be sterilized and used in surgery. Many software programs-some simple to use and free of charge-are available for creating the 3D design files used for 3D printing. An as yet unexplored facet of the 3D printing technology is that it provides an opportunity for surgeons to readily produce and share surgical instruments of their own design. Current applications of 3D printing in neurosurgery consist of creation of patient-specific anatomical models for training and simulation and, more recently, production of patient-specific implants for spine and cranial surgery. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology allows rapid production of 3D objects from a variety of materials.
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