A 72-year-old woman with sciatica and complex L5–S1 pseudoarthrosis 12 months after L2–S1 fixation surgery for symptomatic degenerative scoliosis required surgery to fix the complications, for which a surgical team approached her with 3D Printing. CT data from patient scans was used to develop models of the bony lumbosacral spine for pre-operative planning along with a patient-specific 3D printed titanium lumbrosacral fixation implant. 3D printing was also used to create a stereotactic drill guide. The sixth-month follow up showed promising results as explained by the team of Australian researchers.

The PAMIS project aims at improving scoliosis surgery through the development of 3D Printing Technology. Using 3D scans of the patient’s spine, patient specific implants can be 3D printed, using lightweight, biocompatible materials and used for Scoliosis surgery. CITD, a Spanish engineering company, has taken over PAMIS Project with plans to further revolutionize the technology with their expertise in additive manufacturing for healthcare.