Investigation of a three‐dimensional printed dynamic cervical spine model for anatomy and physiology education

Abstract

Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) printing of anatomical structures is a growing method of education for students and medical trainees. These models are generally produced as static representations of gross surface anatomy. In order to create a model that provides educators with a tool for demonstration of kinematic and physiologic concepts in addition to surface anatomy, a high-resolution segmentation and 3D-printingtechnique was investigated for the creation of a dynamic educational model. Methods: An anonymized computed tomography scan of the cervical spine with a diagnosis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was acquired. Using a high-resolution thresholding technique, the individual facet and intervertebral spaces were separated, and models of the C3-7 vertebrae were 3D-printed. The models were placed on a myelography simulator and subjected to flexion and extension under fluoroscopy, and measurements of the spinal canal diameter were recorded and compared to in-vivo measurements. The flexible 3D-printed model was then compared to a static 3D-printed model to determine the educational benefit of demonstrating physiologic concepts. Results: The canal diameter changes on the flexible 3D-printed model accurately reflected in-vivo measurements during dynamic positioning. The flexible model also was also more successful in teaching the physiologic concepts of spinal canal changes during flexion and extension than the static 3D-printed model to a cohort of learners. Conclusions: Dynamic 3D-printed models can provide educators with a cost-effective and novel educational tool for not just instruction of surface anatomy, but also physiologic concepts through 3D ex-vivo modeling of case-specific physiologic and pathologic conditions.

The Application of Three-Dimensional Technologies in the Improvement of Orthopedic Surgery Training and Medical Education Quality: A Comparative Bibliometrics Analysis

“…We’ve already seen a number of tremendous changes and improvements in orthopedic medical education brought about by different 3D technologies. Instead of displaying the different visual bibliometrics results from multiple perspectives which have already been shown in the result section, we also read and evaluate all the retrieved articles in detail extensively, 11 representative publications from three major branches of orthopedics were chosen ( Van Sint Jan et al, 2003 ; Podolsky et al, 2010 ; Gottschalk et al, 2015 ; Park et al, 2018 ; Mishra et al, 2019 ; Wang et al, 2019 ; Montgomery et al, 2020 ; Clifton et al, 2021 ; Foo et al, 2021 ; Kim et al, 2021 ; Papavasiliou et al, 2021 ), comprehensive evaluative analysis was made from basic information, purpose, assessments, results, benefits and limitations ( Table 1 , trauma surgery n = 4; Table 2 , joint surgery n = 3; Table 3 , spine surgery n = 4).…”

3d Printing as a Tool in Anatomy Teaching

“…3D printing, however, does not have its benefits restricted to teaching surface anatomy. Using dynamic models, this teaching methodology provides teachers with innovative and cost-effective teaching apparatus for case-specific physiological and pathological kinematic conditions [17].…”

3D-Printed Disease Models for Neurosurgical Planning, Simulation, and Training

“…The material used to manufacture spinal disease models continued to be developed through various attempts starting from plastic, so that the texture can be similar to the actual spine bone [ 19 , 39 , 89 , 96 ]. The model extends its scope to physiological or flexible models [ 14 , 108 ]. The majority of 3D-printed spinal disease models have been patient-specific models applied in real clinical practice to improve clinical outcomes.…”