Three-dimensional biomodel use in the surgical management of basilar invagination with congenital cervical scoliosis; Correction by unilateral C1-C2 facet distraction

Abstract

Biomodels are produced using three-dimensional printers and their use in complex spine surgeries can be quite helpful, especially when complex anatomy is faced. In this case report, we presented a 14-year-old patient who had rigid congenital cervical scoliosis and basilar invagination and abnormalities on a neurological examination. This patient underwent atlantoaxial facet distraction and C1 C2 fusion while using a biomodel of his craniocervical junction in pre-operative planning and also as an anatomical reference per-operatively. Using biomodel in this case helped in achieving favorable surgical outcomes without any perioperative complications. Postoperative assessments including coronal deformity, basilar invagination, and neurological examination showed significant improvements and we recommend using biomodels in complex atlantoaxial distraction procedure to achieve favorable surgical outcomes with minimum complications.