Application of additive 3D printing technologies in neurosurgery, vertebrology and traumatology and orthopedics

Additive technologies are now widely used in various fields of clinical medicine. In particular, 3D printing is widely used in neurosurgery, vertebrology and traumatology-orthopedics. The article describes in detail the basic principles of medical 3D printing. The modern classification of 3D printers is presented based on the following principles of printing: FDM, SLA, SLS and others. The main advantages and disadvantages of the above-mentioned 3D printers and the areas of clinical medicine in which they are used are described. Further in the review, the authors discuss the experience with 3D printing applications, based on the data of the modern scientific literature. A special attention is paid to the use of 3D printing in the manufacture of individual implants for cranioplasty. 3D printing technologies in reconstructive neurosurgery make it possible to create high-precision implants, reduce the time of surgical intervention and improve the aesthetic effect of the operation. The article also presents the data of the modern literature on the use of 3D printing in vertebrology, where a special role is given to the use of guides for the installation of transpedicular screws and the use of individual lordosing cages. The use of individual guides, especially for severe spinal deformities, reduces the risk of metal structure malposition and the duration of surgical intervention. This technique is also widely used in traumatology and orthopedics, where individual implants made of titanium, a bone-substituting material, are created using 3D printing, thanks to which it is possible to replace bone defects of any shape, complexity and size and create hybrid exoprostheses. The role of 3D modeling and 3D printing in the training of medical personnel at the present stage is described. In conclusion, the authors present their experience of using 3D modeling and 3D printing in reconstructive neurosurgery and vertebrology.