BACKGROUND:Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has been successful y used in the field of joint replacement, fracture fixation and spinal implant, but the potential of 3D printing technology in the field of surgery for ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of cervical spine remains to be discussed. OBJECTIVE:To determine the application value of a 3D printing model in the selection of anterior and posterior surgical decompression for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was carried out involving 15 patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament col ected by computed tomography (CT) and printed by a 3D model pre-operatively between October 2014 and October 2015 in Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University. There were isolated type (n=2), segmental type (n=6), continuous type (n=4), and combined type (n=3). The application value of a 3D printer model in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was evaluated by Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, Visual Analog Scale scores, symptoms, and imaging data 1 month pre-operatively, 1 month post-operatively, and at the final fol ow-up. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Al 15 patients underwent successful treatment of cervical spine decompression surgery and were fol owed up for 4-16 months. The post-operative symptoms were relieved more significantly than the pre-operative symptoms. Using the posterior approach for cervical spinal surgery, 1 patient had incision fat necrosis and healed after negative pressure drainage. (2) Japanese Orthopedic Association scores 1 month pre-operatively, 1 month post-operatively, and at the final fol ow-up were 9.0±1.6, 11.7±1.8, and 15.5±1.4, respectively;the differences were statistical y significant (P<0.05). Visual Analog Scale scores 1 month pre-operatively, 1 month post-operatively, and at the final fol ow-up were 6.7±2.5, 2.13±1.4, and 1.4±0.5, respectively;the difference was statistical y significant (P<0.05). (3) The imaging results at fol ow-up showed that the anterior interbodies were fused, and the pivot of the posterior operation was healed wel without a re-closing phenomenon. (4) A 3D printer model was shown to be beneficial in observing the characteristics of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, performing the pre-operative evaluation, and simulating the surgical procedure. There was value for the choice of operative approach.%背景：目前3D打印技术已成功应用于辅助关节置换、骨折内固定及脊柱置钉等骨科手术，但关于3D打印技术在颈椎后纵韧带骨化症手术治疗领域的潜力尚有待探讨。目的：探讨3D打印模型在颈椎后纵韧带骨化症前后路手术减压方式选择中的应用价值。方法：回顾性分析2014年10月至2015年10月在徐州医科大学附属医院行术前CT数据搜集和3D模型打印的颈椎后纵韧带骨化症患者共15例，其中孤立型2例，节段型6例，连续型4例，混合型3例。通过对比分析术前、术后1个月及末次随访时的日本骨科协会评分、目测类比评分、患者症状及影像学资料，来评价3D打印模型在颈椎后纵韧带骨化症前后路手术减压方式选择中的应用价值。结果与结论：①15例患者均顺利接受颈椎减压治疗，均接受4-16个月随访。术后患者症状较术前明显缓解，颈椎后路手术中1例切口脂肪液化，经负压引流后治愈；②术前、术后1个月和末次随访时的日本骨科协会评分分别为(9.0±1.6)分、(11.7±1.8)分和(15.5±1.4)分，差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)；颈肩部疼痛目测类比评分分别为(6.7±2.5)分,(2.13±1.4)分和(1.4±0.5)分，差异有显著性意义(P<0.05)；③随访期间影像学结果显示，前路植骨均融合，后路手术门轴处愈合良好，无再关门现象；④结果提示，3D打印模型有助于对颈椎骨化后纵韧带的特点进行观察，并进行术前评估和模拟手术操作，对颈椎后纵韧带骨化症减压方式的选择有一定的参考价值。
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