Applications of 3D printing in forensic medicine and forensic pathology. A systematic review

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing became more widely available in the past decade, its medical applications are rapidly growing. The technology has also a large potential in forensic sciences – including forensic medicine and pathology. A systematic literature search was performed using electronic databases to analyze the current applications of 3D printing in forensic medicine and to reveal the possible directions of development. The first publication regarding 3D printing in the field of forensic medicine and pathology was published in 2011, but publications were scarce until 2017. Publication numbers increased in 2017 and were constant since then. The publications reveal that 3D printing can be used in everyday forensic medical practice for various purposes including injury reconstruction, injury–weapon comparison, presentation, identification and courtroom demonstration and teaching.