A spine you can hold in your hands may help surgeons in the most challenging operations
· Medical Xpressby Ádám Farkas, Semmelweis University
edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Robert Egan
Lisa Lock
Scientific Editor
Meet our editorial team
Behind our editorial process
Robert Egan
Associate Editor
Meet our editorial team
Behind our editorial process Editors' notes
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
fact-checked
proofread
The GIST Add as preferred source
According to a new study, 3D-printed spine models may support the work of spine surgeons, particularly in understanding highly complex cases and planning surgical procedures. The findings come from a study conducted at the Doctoral School of Semmelweis University and published in the journal World Neurosurgery. The researchers found that the technology could benefit not only physicians but also patients and their families by making it easier to explain spinal conditions and planned interventions.
The study involved 41 specialists from three leading spine surgery centers in Hungary. Using questionnaires, the researchers assessed the perceived advantages of life-size 3D models created from medical imaging data compared with conventional imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT and MRI scans.
The cases included in the study ranged from congenital spinal deformities and rare developmental abnormalities to tumors and patients who had undergone multiple spinal surgeries. These conditions are often associated with complex anatomical variations that make surgical planning particularly challenging.
The greatest benefits were seen in surgical planning and patient communication, especially in cases where abnormal spinal anatomy or previous interventions—such as implanted metal hardware—made anatomical structures difficult to study.
A key advantage of the 3D models is that, instead of relying solely on images displayed on a screen, surgeons can examine a physical, tangible replica of the spine. This allows them to inspect the anatomy from every angle and may facilitate a better understanding of unique anatomical variations and complex pathologies.
"In highly unique anatomical situations, every case represents a new learning process for the surgeon. Previous general anatomical knowledge alone is often not sufficient. In such situations, it is particularly valuable not only to see a two-dimensional image of the spine but also to hold it, rotate it and examine it physically before surgery.
"The models can even be used for rehearsal procedures, allowing surgeons to explore different technical aspects of the operation, including drilling into the model," said Dr. Péter Éltes, MD, Ph.D., supervisor at the School of Ph.D. Studies at Semmelweis University, senior author of the study and spine surgeon at the National Center for Spinal Disorders.
Before 3D-printed spine models can be routinely used in surgical practice, health care institutions must meet strict quality assurance and regulatory requirements. For this reason, such models are currently produced mainly for research and educational purposes. Experts believe, however, that the technology could also play an important role in patient communication in the future. A tangible model may help patients and their family members better understand the nature of the condition and the planned surgical procedure.
"We could say that patients may literally hold a replica of their own or their child's spine, a model of a complex congenital spinal deformity. Physicians can then explain the planned intervention in detail using the model. This represents a major step forward compared to CT or MRI scans, where we can show only two-dimensional segments. Moreover, understanding such images is often difficult for people without medical training," emphasized Benjámin Hajnal, Ph.D. student at the School of Ph.D. Studies at Semmelweis University and first author of the study.
Another interesting finding was that surgeons' opinions of the 3D models were largely independent of their experience level or specialty. Spine surgeons with decades of clinical experience found the models just as useful as their younger colleagues. In addition, 80% of the participants had never previously used a 3D-printed anatomical model in clinical practice. These findings suggest that the technology may have broader applications in the preparation of complex spine surgeries.
More information
Marton Bartos et al, Spine Surgeons' Attitudes Towards 3D Printed Anatomical Models: A Survey Study, World Neurosurgery (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2026.124863
Key medical concepts
Clinical categories
Orthopedics Provided by Semmelweis University Who's behind this story?
Lisa Lock
BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021. Full profile →
Robert Egan
Bachelor's in mathematical biology, Master's in creative writing. Well-traveled with unique perspectives on science and language. Full profile →
Citation: A spine you can hold in your hands may help surgeons in the most challenging operations (2026, June 23) retrieved 23 June 2026 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06-spine-surgeons.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.