Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

Segmentation of spinal computed tomography to produce biomechanically accurate patient-specific surgical models

  • SUNY Buffalo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: Improved Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) surgery outcomes can be achieved with precise anatomical and biomechanical models. Traditional cadavers, limited by scarcity and cost, may not fully meet specific anatomical needs. Patient-Tailored 3D-printed spine models offer a promising alternative. This study, leveraging medical image segmentation, CAD, and advanced 3D printing techniques, explores the potential of patient-specific 3D-printed spine models. Materials & Methods: 3DSlicer was used for image segmentation, and MeshMixer for model smoothing. 3D-printing, with Stratasys J750™, specialized for anatomical modeling, integrated materials simulating bone structures, soft tissues, and intervertebral discs. Quantitative material testing was completed on samples of each printed tissue type individually, qualitative model testing and quantitative pilot displacement-controlled load flexion/extension testing were completed on L3-L5 vertebral models. Results: The 3D-printing process for these detailed functional unit models was completed within approximately 20 hours. Qualitative assessment by neurosurgical residents affirmed the models' resemblance to human spinal tissue in a simulated procedural context. However, mechanical testing of the material samples revealed discrepancies when compared to established biomechanical properties in the literature. This suggests that while the models provide a degree of procedural realism, their material properties require further refinement to fully replicate the biomechanical characteristics of actual spinal tissues. Additional testing on the L3-L5 model is planned to further investigate these findings. Conclusions: Using medical image segmentation and advanced 3D-printing techniques, we introduce a method for swiftly generating anatomically and biomechanically accurate spine models tailored to individual patients. This approach has transformative potential for ASD pre-surgical planning.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMedical Imaging 2024
Subtitle of host publicationImage-Guided Procedures, Robotic Interventions, and Modeling
EditorsJeffrey H. Siewerdsen, Maryam E. Rettmann
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510671607
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
EventMedical Imaging 2024: Image-Guided Procedures, Robotic Interventions, and Modeling - San Diego, United States
Duration: Feb 19 2024Feb 22 2024

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume12928
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferenceMedical Imaging 2024: Image-Guided Procedures, Robotic Interventions, and Modeling
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period02/19/2402/22/24

Keywords

  • 3D printing
  • Computed tomography
  • Image segmentation
  • Oatient-specific
  • Spine
  • Surgical models

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Segmentation of spinal computed tomography to produce biomechanically accurate patient-specific surgical models'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this