A review of the issues surrounding three-dimensional computed tomography for medical modelling using rapid prototyping techniques

Abstract

Citation: BIBB, R. and WINDER, J., 2010. A review of the issues surrounding three-dimensional computed tomography for medical modelling using rapid prototyping techniques. Radiography, 16 (1), pp. 78 -83.Additional Information:• AbstractThis technical note aims to raise awareness amongst radiographers of the application of Computed Tomography data in the production of models using Rapid Prototyping technologies. It also aims to provide radiographers with recommendations that will assist them in providing three-dimensional Computed Tomography data that can fulfil the requirements of medical modelling. Potential problem areas in data acquisition and transfer are discussed and suggestions are given for methods that aim to avoid these.

Three-Dimensional Printing and Medical Imaging: A Review of the Methods and Applications

“…Slice thickness requirements will depend on the complexity of the anatomy in question. Models used for maxillofacial surgery often use data reconstructed from slice thicknesses of 0.5 to 1mm, whereas models of the pelvis and long bones can use slice thicknesses up to 2mm (10). The images are initially saved in a DICOM format, but will later be converted to a format that can recognized by the printer.…”

X-ray computed tomography and additive manufacturing in medicine: a review

“…The proportion of papers presented on medical modelling fell in comparison to those focussed on direct implant production or XCT inspection and metrology, but a large number of studies furthered research during this time, a selection of which can be seen in references [1,[37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44]. This period showed a prevalence of the use of XCT in the design of various implants, summarised in a paper that detailed recent advances in production of tissue-engineering scaffolds [45].…”

A review of existing anatomical data capture methods to support the mass customisation of wrist splints

“…Radiation exposure is directly proportional to the duration of scanning, so higher image resolution and larger area coverage will require longer scanning times, thus exposing patients to greater radiation dosage (Bibb andWinder 2010, Tay et al 2007). Bibb and Winder (2010) state that radiologists should rationalise the acceptable level of accuracy and resolution from CT imaging, so scanning times may be balanced with radiation exposure. Also, resolution between different soft tissues is often poor because collected images are divided by pixel shade; two different densities that ‗share' a pixel create an intermediate density, known as the ‗partial pixel effect' which can create a blurred boundary (Bibb 2006).…”

“…MRI uses three different magnetic fields; a static magnetic field, a switched gradient field and a pulsed radio frequency field. The combination of these fields causes hydrogen atoms within the body to align, so the equipment can differentiate between reactions and physical attributes (Bibb and Winder 2010, Winters 2008, Pickens 2000. MRI image ‗slices' can be used solely for diagnoses, or combined through suitable medical software into a 3D virtual form for design and fabrication of surgical guides and prosthetics (Bibb 2006, Fitzpatrick et al 1998).…”

“…This is particularly relevant for patients with degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, as patients often need splints that will be comfortable, robust and long-lasting. A wide range of literature suggests the suitability of anatomical imaging equipment such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) for the design of prosthetics and orthotics, but very little research has been focused into the data acquisition of hand and wrist geometry for the mass customisation of wrist splints (Minns et al 2003, Bibb 2006, Bibb and Winder 2010.…”