Spine Surgeons' Attitudes Towards 3D Printed Anatomical Models: A Survey Study.

Abstract

3D printed anatomical models offer new possibilities in operative medicine, especially in planning complex surgical procedures and patient education. However, the use of such models is not yet widespread, and spinal surgeons' attitudes toward their clinical application remain incompletely understood. The aim of the study is to assess spinal surgeons' attitudes towards 3D-printed anatomical models, with a particular focus on their clinical applications. A multicenter questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 41 spine surgeons from 3 major Hungarian spine centers, generating 1476 evaluative data points. Surgeons rated the utility of conventional imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) and 3D printed models across multiple clinical domains and case scenarios. Overall, 3D printed models were rated significantly higher than traditional imaging, with a median utility score of 10 [IQR: 8-10] versus 8 [IQR: 7-9] (P < 0.001, r = 0.25). The largest benefit was observed in patient education (median 10 vs. 7, P < 0.001) and surgical planning (median 9 vs. 8, P < 0.001). In complex congenital scoliosis with metal artifacts, 3D models significantly outperformed traditional imaging (median 10 vs. 7, P < 0.001), whereas no difference was observed in degenerative lumbar pathology (median 9 vs. 9, P = 0.99). Perceived utility did not differ significantly by specialty, experience level, case complexity workload or prior exposure to 3D printing (all P > 0.05). Spine surgeons in Hungary perceive 3D printed anatomical models as significantly more useful than traditional imaging, particularly for patient education and complex surgical planning. Their perceived value appears driven primarily by case complexity rather than surgeon demographics or prior experience.