Fascia Net Plastination Project

Abstract

Since the 1st International Fascia Research Congress (FRC) in 2007 and the subsequent increase in fascia related research, much of which has been published by JBMT and other journals, it is true to say fascia is well and truly established as an important topic in medical science. Due to the nature of fascia, its architecture and ubiquitous characteristics, it is difficult to visualize an image of fascia that would do justice to this omnipresent connective tissue without the aid of anatomical specimens for educational purposes. Fascia can be likened to dark matter - a practically invisible network - of our inner universe weaving a supportive fabric without which our bodies would have neither form nor function. Fascia provides the mechanism to connect and yet disconnect (Van der Wal, 2009Van der Wal J. The architecture of the connective tissue in the musculoskeletal system: an often overlooked functional parameter as to proprioception in the locomotor apparatus.in: Huijing P.A. Fascia Research II: Basic Science and Implications for Conventional and Complementary Health Care. Elsevier GmbH, Munich, Germany2009Google Scholar). Fascia shapes our form, and fascia research has provided evidence-based explanations as to why pain in one body part could be as a result of an insult in a more distant part, in turn contributing to “global soft tissue holding patterns” (Myers, 2009Myers T. Anatomy Trains. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh2009Google Scholar). Accurate anatomical specimens of the superficial and deep fascia would be welcome tactile educational aids in medical teaching facilities and departments of anatomy around the world. To this end, in 2017 Dr. Robert Schleip, head researcher at Ulm University in Germany, approached the world-renowned von Hagens' Plastinarium in Guben on behalf of the Fascia Research Society to investigate possible interest in supporting a proposed venture named “Fascia Net Plastination Project” or FNPP. This project had bold aims and objectives to dissect and plastinate the full superficial fascia (fascia superficialis. See: Fig. 1) and also a full-body specimen of the deep fascia (fascia profunda-See Fig. 2). Similar projects had been attempted in the past but as methods for removing fat had proved unsuccessful the projects were shelved.Fig. 2The deep fascia or fascia profunda of thigh “in the round”.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) Plastinated fascia specimens are made possible by the revolutionary process invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens. Through a unique vacuum process, including gas curing, human tissue is permanently infused with liquid polymers that fix the tissues in a predetermined position creating a permanent anatomical teaching specimen. Anatomists Carla Stecco (Padua University, Italy) and John Sharkey (Dundee University, Scotland, National Training Centre, Ireland) were recruited as anatomical advisors to the FNPP project, to demonstrate and guide dissections by two groups of keen and experienced dissectors from around the world. These early scientific investigations have produced the most complex original and beautiful anatomical specimens. It is expected that these plastinated fascia specimens will be displayed at appropriate professional conferences around the world and will form part of the BodyWorlds exhibition. Delegates attending the recent 5th FRC in Berlin were treated to an exclusive mini-exhibition of a variety of plastinated anatomical specimens including a selection of specimens from the FNPP produced in a team effort by all participants (Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4).Fig. 4The superficial fascia of the knee.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) Running parallel to the FNPP, clinical anatomist John Sharkey led a separate project to produce the world's first 3D printed models of the fascia profunda (Fig. 5A, B and 5C ) of the thigh. These were produced in cooperation with 3D LifePrints, who provide medical 3D printing manufacturing and service capabilities for key UK NHS hospitals and academic institutions. Fig. 5A, B and C are images of the largest print ever attempted by 3D LifePrints in conjunction with clinical anatomist John Sharkey. This innovative 3D printed model of the fascia profunda represents the world's first accurate anatomical model. This 3D printed model of the thigh represents a breakthrough in anatomical innovation made possible by advanced technology. This research project has been five years in the planning with many failed attempts due to issues surrounding MRI data provision and 3D printing technology. The anatomical detail achieved will be of interest to a wide array of medical and allied health professionals from surgeons and anaesthetists (e.g. nerve blocks) to scientists and researchers. The next phase of this project is to produce a full body 3D print of the fascia profunda, with the aim of presenting it for the first time at the 6th FRC in Montreal, Canada.