Three-dimensional Printed Drill Guides for Pedicle screw placement in the spinal Neurosurgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Radiographic, Operative and Clinical Outcomes.

This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness and safety of patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) printed drill guides for pedicle screw placement in spinal surgery. It compares 3D-printed guides with conventional freehand techniques, fluoroscopy-assisted methods, intraoperative navigation, and robotic-assisted systems. Outcomes include screw placement accuracy, operative time, blood loss, fluoroscopy use, complications, and length of hospital stay. The review follows PRISMA guidelines and applies random-effects meta-analysis to synthesize radiographic, operative, and clinical outcomes.