Application of 3D Printing and WebGL-Based 3D Visualisation Technology in Imaging Teaching of Ankle Joints

Abstract

With the rapid development of medical technology, 3D printing technology with realistic representation can perfectly display static human anatomy, while 3D visualisation technology based on Web Graphics Library (WebGL) can promote the rigid replication characteristics of traditional teaching models and express the dynamic spatial relationship between different anatomical structures. Medical students traditionally have less cognition of ankle ligament sprains. In this study, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of the ankle joints of volunteers were used to print models of the ankle bone, tendon, and ligament using 3D printing technology, and a real-time interactive 3D digital model of the functional ankle joint was designed using 3D visualisation based on WebGL and 2D image real-time rendering technology for interactive teaching. The utility of the 3D printing model combined with the WebGL-based 3D digital teaching model was evaluated in comparison with traditional teaching methods in 24 medical students. The results showed that the total score of students in the experimental group (mean ± SD, 79.48 ± 12.93) was significantly better than that of the control group (61.00 ± 14.94) with P < 0.05. The practical test scores of the experimental group (18.00 ± 2.70) were significantly higher than those of the control group (13.67 ± 4.96) with P < 0.05. In the satisfaction survey, the feedback questionnaire showed that the interactive teaching model of 3D printing technology combined with WebGL-based 3D visualisation technology was recognised by students in terms of quality and overall satisfaction. In addition, female students who used 3D printing combined with WebGL-based 3D visualisation technology as learning aids had a greater difference in practical test scores from the control group than male students. This study has demonstrated that the interactive teaching mode of 3D printing combined with WebGL-based 3D visualisation technology is beneficial to the teaching of medical imaging, enriching the learning experience of students, and increasing the interaction between teachers and students.

Large scale medical image online three-dimensional reconstruction based on WebGL using four tier client server architecture

“…Online remote 3D visualization is also widely used in the field of medical teaching. 21,27,28 Tan et al 29 showed that not only are students enabled to observe the construction of a human skeleton anatomy model more intuitively to stimulate their interest in learning, but also teacher lesson preparation efficiency and teaching effect are improved by constructing a new teaching platform of a Web-based 3D human skeleton anatomy model. However, these methods are seldom used in the field of medical tele-diagnosis, which requires high interactive speed and 3D image reconstruction quality.…”

“…For example, medical data or images are transmitted on the Internet to realize online remote 3D visualization especially when mobile devices are widely used in medical. [19][20][21] In fact, online remote 3D visualization has long been widely used in geometric information systems. 22,23 Currently, online terrain visualization has become an important part of many 3D online games, mapping applications, earth visualization systems, and navigation systems.…”

Gallium‐Based Liquid Metal Composites and the Continuous Forming Methods

“…[1][2][3] LM is also known as the metal with melting point below 300 °C. [4,5] Mercury (Hg), as one kind of common LMs, is used in thermometers. However, mercury is volatile and toxic, which limits its use.…”