A three-dimensional laminated paper model of the scaphoid from computed tomography

Abstract

To describe a method of producing a life-sized three-dimensional (3D) solid model of a scaphoid bone by combining multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) volume data and rapid prototyping technique using thin paper as material, and to evaluate the dimensional accuracy of the experimental model. We experimentally produced life-sized 3D solid models of 14 cadavers' scaphoid bones using high-resolution MDCT volume data, and evaluated the dimensional accuracy of the 3D solid models. The 3D solid model was almost perfectly produced in both size and shape (length, height, width, dorsal cortical angle, and landmarks of the scaphoid bone) compared to the real cadaver's scaphoid bone. In addition to accuracy, the cost and time for creating the model might be reasonable. This technique may be useful in assisting repair of scaphoid bone fracture.