Computer Simulated Enhancement and Planning, Robotics and Navigation With Patient Specific Implants and 3-D Printed Cages

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: Pre and postop Measurement Testing. This is a retrospective study of 33 consecutive interbody spacers in 21 patients who underwent pre, intra, and postoperative measurement of the middle column to determine if this would lead to more precise restoration of middle column height and spacer fit. Scaled transparencies of the pre-operative simulation of angular correction and spacer geometry could be overlayed on the post-operative imaging studies. METHODS: Multiple Observers Measurement Testing. 33 consecutive vertebral levels requiring interbody spacers for multilevel deformities had middle column height pre and post operatively measured by 3 blinded observers. The preoperative and postoperative measurements were compared using a linear regression analysis and Pearson product-moment correlation. RESULTS: Pre and postop Measurement Testing: Thirty-three interbody devices in 21 patients had pre-operative planning, simulation of cage dimensions to determine the proper cage fit which would provide for the desired correction of foraminal height and sagittal balance parameters. The simulated preoperative plan overlayed the final post-operative radiograph and was a near-perfect match in 20 of 21 patients (95.2%). Multiple Observers Measurement Testing: A Pearson product-moment correlation was run between each individual’s pre-op and post-op middle column measurements. There was a strong, positive correlation between pre-operative and post-operative measurements, which was statistically significant (r = 0.903, n = 33, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This consecutive series of 33 cases demonstrated the utility of measuring the preoperative middle column length in predicting the optimal height of the spacers, intervertebral disks, and posterior vertebral body height simultaneously restoring sagittal and coronal plane alignment.