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Objective: To develop a novel method of spinal pedical stereotaxy by reverse engineering and rapid prototyping techniques, and to validate its accuracy by experimental and clinical studies.Methods: A 3D reconstruction model for the desired lumbar vertebra was generated by using the Mimics 10.11 software, and the optimal screw size and orientation were determined using the reverse engineering software. Afterwards, a drill template was created by reverse engineering principle, whose surface was the antitemplate of the vertebral surface. The drill template and its corresponding vertebra were manufactured using the rapid prototyping technique.Results: The accuracy of the drill template was confirmed by drilling screw trajectory into the vertebral biomodel preoperatively. This method also showed its ability to customize the placement and size of each screw based on the unique morphology of the lumbar vertebra.The drill template fits the postural surface of the vertebra very well in the cadaver experiment. Postoperative CT scans for controlling the pedicle bore showed that the personalized template had a high precision in cadaver experiment and clinical application. No misplacement occurred by using the personalized template. During surgery, no additional computer assistance was needed.Conclusions: The authors have developed a novel drill template for lumbar pedicle screw placement with good applicability and high accuracy. The potential use of drill templates to place lumbar pedicle screws is promising. Our methodology appears to provide an accurate technique and trajectory for pedicle screw placement in the lumbar spine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the anatomy of veins of the lower lumbar spine and provide the anatomic basement for laparoscopic lumbar surgery.Methods: A total of 15 formaldehyde-preserved cadavers were studied with special attention to the variety and surrounding structure of ascending lumbar vein (ALV) and iliolumbar veins (ILV), and their relationship with lumbar plexus.Results: ALV and ILV can be found on every sides, which have four variants including separate entry and common entry. The ascending vein and iliolumbar vein separately enter common iliac vein in 18 cases, and as a common stem enter the common iliac vein in 12 cases. Retracting common iliac vein medially both the ascending lumbar and the iliolumbar veins are always at risk of avulsion on exposure of the disc space. The injury of obturator nerve and lumbosacral trunk of lumbar plexus should be avoided.Conclusion: Awareness of these anatomic variation can prevent the hemorrhage and be helpful for the surgeon in performing a careful ligation of these veins before medial retraction of the common iliac vein. Our findings emphasize the need for proper dissection of ALV and ILV before ligature during exposure of the lower lumbar spine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]