Gomel neurosurgeons perform operation with spine printed on 3D printer

Gomel neurosurgeons printed a human spine on a 3D printer and performed a complicated operation. A new method of treatment was introduced in the regional hospital. The first patient was a man of retirement age. 10 years ago, he had a serious injury of the cervical vertebra. Over time, deformation and compression of the spinal cord occurred. The slightest inaccuracy during the operation could be fatal. However, modern technology made it possible to clearly plan the course of surgical intervention. The plastic model completely repeated the patient's spine. It took a day to create the model.

Vasily Gurinovich, neurosurgeon at the Gomel Regional Clinical Hospital: "This made the patient safe, because during the operation we could check our 3D model and know exactly where we are, where important structures are located that need to be protected. And we could calculate how much bone had to be removed in order to free his spinal cord."

The practice of 3D organ printing is widespread throughout the world.  This, in Minsk, a human heart was printed out for planning operations. Gomel residents were the first to do this with the spine. Next month, their successful experiences will be presented at an international conference.