We have adopted a seven-year old boy from another country who needs spine surgery. He has a very twisted back. How does a surgeon know how to straighten out such a mess?
Spinal surgery for scoliosis (curvature of the spine) can be very complex. This is especially true for the growing child. Much study, thought, and planning goes into surgery for this type of deformity.
X-rays, CT scans, and other imaging studies are often required. Using these two-dimensional pictures together gives the surgeon the best chance of seeing the spine as it really is in three dimensions.
Advances are being made in this area through research. Mechanical and biomedical engineers are developing rapid prototype models of patients for use in surgery. These 3-D models are made from CT scans that are translated into virtual models on a computer.
The surgeon reviews the virtual model and if acceptable, a 3-D plastic model is then created. The model accurately reflects the anatomy and deformity of each individual patient.
The surgeon can use this type of model to determine what type and size of screws, plates, and rods to use. He or she can even use the model to rehearse various aspects of the surgery ahead of time. This can help reduce errors and the actual time it takes to do the procedure.
The RP models aren't commercially available yet but it may be only a matter of time before they are routinely used for spinal surgery.
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