Spinal Issues: 3-D Spine Models Give orthopedic Surgeons a Well-Rounded View

When an operation that involves delicate and precise technique is called for, many orthopedic surgeons have found the use of 3D models to be of extreme help. With these devices, surgeons can get a well-rounded view of the patient’s injury for planning and preparing surgical procedures.

Before this ground-breaking medical device was created, surgeons relied solely on CT scans and MRI’s. With the new 3D model being used as a diagnostic tool, they can provide valuable information in diagnosing certain injuries and diseases, since they give the surgeon an up-close and in-depth realistic view of the area of concern.

3-D models are made by medical stereolithographers who are experts in this field. With the use of a MRI scan or CT scan, the stereolithographer can duplicate a 3D model that is precisely like the anatomy of the patient. The preciseness of the model is within 1/35th of a millimeter. This allows the surgeon to hold the model and inspect the area of concern closely, which otherwise can only be evaluated with imaging results. These 3D models can be made for any skeletal part including the cranium and cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

Not only does this new and ground-breaking medical tool allow the Spinal surgeon to analysis and diagnosis orthopedic conditions, it also is valuable in the practicing and review of exactly what the orthopedic operation will involve. physicians can do a dry run of the procedure before the actual surgery, which can reduce the margin of error extremely and reduce the amount of time the operation would normally take.

This provides the patient with much lower costs of operating room (in some cases the three-dimensional models can save over $10,000 in surgical costs) and surgical team fees as well as anesthesiologist and surgeon fees. Patients are also under anesthesia for a shorter amount of time, helping to reduce the risks of complications.

ACRM Corp is leading the industry the production and sales of patient specific, Anatomically Correct, 3D Reference Models, from CT and MRI scans to assist with skull or back surgeries. Visit their website (www.ACRMcorp.com) for more information about how these 3D models can help your orthopedic physician in their pre-surgical planning.