Abstract
Introduction3D printing contributes to a better understanding of the surgical approach, reduction and fixation of complex fractures. It is unclear how a 3D-printed model relates to a human bone. The accuracy of 3D-printed models is important to pre-bend plates and fit of surgical guides. We conduct a validation study in which we compare human cadavers with 3D-printed models to test the accuracy of 3D printing.MethodsNine specimens were scanned, volume rendered into 3D reconstructions and saved as STL data. All models were in a ratio of 1:1 printed on the Ultimaker 3 and Makerbot Replicator Z18. Two independent observers measured all distances between the K-wires on the human cadavers, 2DCT, 3D reconstruction, Meshlab and both printers. A paired Samples T test was used to compare the measurements between the different modalities.ResultsThe least decrease in average distance in millimetres was seen in “the 3D printed pelvis 1”, − 0.3 and − 0.8% on respectively the Ultimaker and Makerbot when compared with cadaver Pelvis (1) The 3D model of “Hand 2” showed the most decrease, − 2.5 and − 3.2% on the Ultimaker and Makerbot when compared with cadaver hand (2) Most significant differences in measurements were found in the conversion from 3D file into a 3D print and between the cadaver and 3D-printed model from the Makerbot.ConclusionOur 3D printing process results in accurate models suitable for preoperative workup. The Ultimaker 3 is slightly more accurate than the Makerbot Replicator Z18. We advise that medical professionals should perform a study that tests the accuracy of their 3D printing process before using the 3D-printed models in medical practice.
Highlights
3D printing contributes to a better understanding of the surgical approach, reduction and fixation of complex fractures
3D printing has become increasingly utilized in the preoperative planning of clinical orthopaedics, trauma orthopaedics and other disciplines over the past decade [2]. 3D-printed models are readily accessible due to the wide availability of 3D printing techniques and 3D printers [2]. 3D printing contributes to a better understanding of the surgical approach, reduction and fixation of fractures, especially in complex fractures such as acetabular fractures [3, 4,5,6]
We have conducted a validation study in which we compare human cadavers with 3D-printed models to test the accuracy of 3D printing
Summary
3D printing contributes to a better understanding of the surgical approach, reduction and fixation of complex fractures. It is unclear how a 3D-printed model relates to a human bone. The process from scanning the patient to the final 3D-printed model will result in loss of data. We have conducted a validation study in which we compare human cadavers with 3D-printed models to test the accuracy of 3D printing
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