Abstract
Synthetic bone models are used to train surgeons as well as to test new medical devices. However, currently available models do not accurately mimic the complex structure of trabecular bone, which can provide erroneous results. This study aimed to investigate the suitability of stereolithography (SLA) to produce synthetic trabecular bone. Samples were printed based on synchrotron micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images of human bone, with scaling factors from 1 to 4.3. Structure replicability was assessed with micro-CT, and mechanical properties were evaluated by compression and screw pull-out tests. The overall geometry was well-replicated at scale 1.8, with a volume difference to the original model of <10%. However, scaling factors below 1.8 gave major print artefacts, and a low accuracy in trabecular thickness distribution. A comparison of the model–print overlap showed printing inaccuracies of ~20% for the 1.8 scale, visible as a loss of smaller details. SLA-printed parts exhibited a higher pull-out strength compared to existing synthetic models (Sawbones ™), and a lower strength compared to cadaveric specimens and fused deposition modelling (FDM)-printed parts in poly (lactic acid). In conclusion, for the same 3D model, SLA enabled higher resolution and printing of smaller scales compared to results reported by FDM.
Highlights
As reported by statistics on hospital-based care in the United States, the number of orthopaedic procedures concerning all age groups amounted to 3,399,600 in 2005 [1]
Bone models are used by surgeons during preoperative planning of such procedures, and in visual and haptic surgical simulations for training in low-stress environments [2,3]
Cadaveric specimens may provide the most accurate representation of the mechanical behaviour of bone, reproducible results are difficult to achieve due to differences among individuals, anatomical sites and medical conditions [5]
Summary
As reported by statistics on hospital-based care in the United States, the number of orthopaedic procedures concerning all age groups amounted to 3,399,600 in 2005 [1]. Bone models are used by surgeons during preoperative planning of such procedures, and in visual and haptic surgical simulations for training in low-stress environments [2,3]. Bone models are needed to test and design medical equipment, such as orthopaedic screws and implants. Cadaveric specimens may provide the most accurate representation of the mechanical behaviour of bone, reproducible results are difficult to achieve due to differences among individuals, anatomical sites and medical conditions [5]. With respect to ethical concerns, such models could help reduce the number of animals used in experiments [7]. Synthetic models could help reduce the experimental time and cost by avoiding the need for ethical approval and allowing for faster sample preparation. Synthetic samples do not need to be handled under special conditions, such as controlled temperature or immersion in phosphate-buffered saline solution
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