3d Prints as a tool for Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic surgery is all about understanding the anatomy, especially so in spinal surgery. Modern medical imaging techniques mean that 3D scans, MRI or CT, are able to capture the bone geometry and separate it from the surrounding soft tissues. This data can be processed here at 3DPRINTYORKSHIRE so that physical models can be printed. The surgeon can use these models to explain to patients (or the pet owner!) what the issue is and how it can be remedied.

This particular job was built from data from a real patient. These models are actually for use as a training aid. A senior neuromedical surgeon is able to show trainees how to perform the complex surgery to fuse a spine that is causing lameness in a dog.There are many 3D printing technologies out there that could print this type of bone model. These were built using Formlabs SLA technology. Most 3D printing technologies use heat to fuse powdered media. The SLA technology is a resin based material that is cured using UV light. The benefit in this application is when the model is drilled or cut with a burr it does not melt, it simply grinds away like real bone would.

Another example of an animal bone print. This again was taken from MRI scan data and processed to create data suitable for using in 3D printing. As you can see in the photographs there is a rather large tumour that has grown on the top of the skull. When processing the data it was possible to separate the tumour from the skull. The surgeon will now have a heads up (no pun intended!) as to what he/she will find when the skin is drawn back.

This skull model can also be used to template a titanium mesh that will be used to cover over the area where the tumour was removed. This saves precious time in the OR.

These were built using Formlabs SLA technology. Most 3D printing technologies use heat to fuse powdered media. The SLA technology is a resin based material that is cured using UV light. The benefit in this application is when the model is drilled or cut with a burr it does not melt, it simply grinds away like real bone would.