Comparative study of biomodels manufactured using 3D printing techniques for surgical planning and medical training

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.