subject: Spinal Issues: 3D Model of Your Spine Pinpoints Problems [print this page] Spinal Issues: 3D Model of Your Spine Pinpoints Problems
Doctors now have the ability to examine the spine and pinpoint a spinal injury and other orthopaedic conditions with the use of a three-dimensional model. These diagnostic tools make finding spinal problems that are difficult to detect with normal imaging devices such as MRI and CT scans easier as they can be held in the doctor's hands for careful examination.
Three-dimensional models are made from patient's CT scans to produce an exact replica of the patient's spine. This allows the doctor to inspect the injured area more closely and from every angle. With these new and innovative tools, surgeons can see exactly what the condition is that is causing the symptoms and plan accordingly the surgical procedure, if this is needed.
3-D models not only allow the surgeon to detect problem areas that may not show up on traditional scanning devices, but also can allow the surgeon to practice the surgical procedure before going into the operating room. With a dry run of the procedure pre-operatively, the surgeon spends less time performing the procedure, reduces the risks of error or complications and provides a large savings in costs for the patient.
Although three-dimensional spinal models are new and just beginning to be used by orthopedic surgeons, the doctors who have used them believe they cut down the orthopaedic surgery time by 15 to 20 percent, providing a safer and more efficient operative procedure when compared to not using these diagnostic tools. Orthopedic surgeons know that it reduces stress on them and their patients as some spinal surgeries such as a laminectomy take many hours to complete.
Three-dimensional models can provide essential information to a spinal surgeon who must perform back surgery for a spinal cord injury, lumbar back injury, thoracic injury or a cervical spine injury. Because of the delicate nature of these parts of the body, procedures must be done with precision and accuracy. Examining an exact replica of the area of interest, the surgeon knows beforehand what procedure is called for and can review the entire process before actually doing the procedure. 3-D models are also useful in detecting conditions such as lordosis, kyphosis, spondylosis or other curvature of the spine disorders. It is also able to detect inflammation in the back such as spondylitis and can be a useful tool for surgeons who are treating patients with spina bifida.
