HP 3D kit prints accurate patient spines for practice surgery

3D printed anatomical models and disposable guides are printed via Mighty Oak’s FIREFLY solution, which uses HP’s Jet Fusion 5200 3D printers. These models are then used by surgeons to drill, tap, and place pedicle screws quickly and safely, making spinal surgeries more successful and less stressful.

“It was important for us to maintain our focus on the spine and develop innovative solutions that make surgical procedures safer and more efficient,” said Heidi Frey, president at Mighty Oak Medical.

“We have always viewed 3D printed, patient-specific solutions as an ideal way to achieve those two objectives, and now, thanks to HP’s 3D printing technology, the healthcare industry is undergoing a massive transformation in terms of the solutions, patient experience and outcomes new 3D printed medical devices can provide.”

Spinal fusions are a typical treatment option for fractures, deformities, or instability in the spine, typically involving pedicle screws to provide extra strength and support. However, if placed incorrectly, patients could experience critical injuries including damage to the spinal cord. While robotic solutions exist to alleviate the errors associated with freehand screw insertion, the technology is expensive and challenging to use. Since installing HP’s Jet Fusion 5200 printers directly onto its factory floor, Mighty Oak Medical has improved replicability and consistency in pedicle screw placement, achieving 99.7 per cent accuracy.