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

Abstract

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.