The Utility of White‐Light 3D Scanning in the Cadaver Lab: Examples Applicable to Iliac Crest Grafting for Mandibular Reconstruction

Abstract

Performing imaging studies such as CT and MRI on cadavers in a gross anatomy setting may be particularly challenging or not feasible. Therefore, other imaging modalities should be investigated. This report highlights the utility of white‐light 3D scanning in a gross anatomical setting as applied to a shape compatibility analysis among iliac crest grafts and native mandibular anatomy in seven cadavers. Upon resection of iliac crests and mandibles, white‐light 3D scanning was performed, digital meshes (e.g., .ply files) were edited, and geometric morphometric analysis was performed using varied software to determine regions of shape compatibility/incompatibility. The results of the white‐light scanning resemble the detail of 3D reconstructions from CT and MRI for surface renderings; though, white‐light scanning has limitations with regard to visualizing underlying structures. The study concludes that white‐light scanning has utility in the gross anatomy setting, particularly as it related to 3D surface analysis as demonstrated by the analysis of the iliac crest graft as it relates to the anatomy of the mandible. Also, digital models can be manipulated with software and also be printed to produce physical models. White‐light scanning is suited for the gross anatomy laboratory setting and provides highly accurate digital renderings that are applicable to research as well as basic science and clinical education.Support or Funding InformationWVU INTRO (Initiation to Research Opportunities) Summer Research program; WV Research Challenge Fund [HEPC.dsr.17.06]