Creation of Anatomically Correct and Optimized for 3D Printing Human Bones Models

Edgars Edelmers,Dzintra Kazoka,Mara Pilmane

doi:10.3390/asi4030067

Abstract

Educational institutions in several countries state that the education sector should be modernized to ensure a contemporary, individualized, and more open learning process by introducing and developing advance digital solutions and learning tools. Visualization along with 3D printing have already found their implementation in different medical fields in Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital, and Rīga Stradiņš University, where models are being used for prosthetic manufacturing, surgery planning, simulation of procedures, and student education. The study aimed to develop a detailed methodology for the creation of anatomically correct and optimized models for 3D printing from radiological data using only free and widely available software. In this study, only free and cross-platform software from widely available internet sources has been used—“Meshmixer”, “3D Slicer”, and “Meshlab”. For 3D printing, the Ultimaker 5S 3D printer along with PLA material was used. In its turn, radiological data have been obtained from the “New Mexico Decedent Image Database”. In total, 28 models have been optimized and printed. The developed methodology can be used to create new models from scratch, which can be used will find implementation in different medical and scientific fields—simulation processes, anthropology, 3D printing, bioprinting, and education.

Highlights

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a process of creating physical objects from their geometrical representation in a digital file by the successive addition of different materials [1,2]
With cost-effective manufacturing for high productivity, 3D-printing technology has become more popular in medical education in recent years, and it is suitable for a variety of applications, including medical moulages or anatomical models for educational purposes [3]
A total of 28 anatomical 3D models were created by segmenting the relevant structures from 763 CT images

Summary

Introduction

Three-dimensional (3D) printing ( known as additive manufacturing) is a process of creating physical objects from their geometrical representation in a digital file by the successive addition of different materials [1,2]. With cost-effective manufacturing for high productivity, 3D-printing technology has become more popular in medical education in recent years, and it is suitable for a variety of applications, including medical moulages or anatomical models for educational purposes [3]. 3D printing is useful for anatomy teaching in creating anatomical models that are not available for sale or reflect real-life variability. Various created anatomical models can involve active student learning: from 3D scanning to working with a variety of 3D modeling software applications, to using 3D printers, and preparing the final model [6]. The usage of 3D printed anatomical models is becoming just a tool for regular anatomical lectures and practical labs but is widely used by students and doctors in the clinical environment as well [7]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion