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BACKGROUND: 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. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to assess spinal surgeons' attitudes towards 3D-printed anatomical models, with a particular focus on their clinical applications. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 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.
Bartos et al. (Fri,) studied this question.