ABSTRACT
Objectives
To obtain 3D printed bone models with a haptic sensation similar to that of the real bone, which will help the surgeon to learn and improve based on practice.
Methods
From computed tomography, 3 digital anatomical models of the human proximal femur were created and, by modifying the printing parameters, both cortical and trabecular tissues were simulated, which were combined in a different cortico-cancellous interface depending on the bone segment. The 3 equivalent models obtained were compared with a commercial Sawbone synthetic model and subjected to a series of blind surgical practice trials performed by 5 TOC specialists from a hospital, each of them with different degrees of expertise. A statistical analysis of the qualitative data collected based on the Wilcoxon test, the Spearman correlation matrix, and the Validity Ratio Coefficient was performed.
Results
The deviations observed in the dimensional study are less than 0.2 millimeter, which confirms the validity of the 3DP-FFF technology to geometrically recreate personalized biomodels with high anatomical precision.
Conclusions
The reproductions obtained have given rise to a reliable method that professionals can refine to plan operations with the consequent reduction of time and risks for the patient, as well as for medical training.
List of abbreviations/Nomenclature
3DP | = | 3D Printing |
ABS | = | Acrilonitrilo butadieno estireno |
ASA | = | Acrilonitrilo estireno acrilato |
BM | = | Biomodel |
CAD | = | Computer-aided design |
OST | = | Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology |
VRC | = | Validity Ratio Coefficient |
DICOM | = | Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine |
MDS | = | Medical Department Specialist |
FFF | = | Fused filament fabrication |
PC | = | Polycarbonate |
PLA | = | Polylactic acid |
PVA | = | Polyvinyl acetate |
MR | = | Medical Resident |
STL | = | Standard Triangle Language |
CT | = | Computed Tomography |
Author contributions
MV Requena-Pérez: Conceptualization, research, writing – original draft preparation. P Andrés-Cano: Conceptualization, Methodology, research, resources. L Galán-Romero: visualization, writing – review and editing. M Suffo: Validation, data curation, writing – review and editing. All authors agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Declaration of interest
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
Reviewer disclosures
Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank the infrastructure and equipment supplied Foundation to management biomedical research of Cádiz (Spain), INiBICA.