3D printing in medicine最新文献

{"title":"Lecture, model, or both? Optimizing fracture education with 3D printing: a longitudinal interventional study.","authors":"Christopher Cramer, André Strahl, Karl-Heinz Frosch, Miriam Rüsseler, Tobias Dust","doi":"10.1186/s41205-026-00342-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41205-026-00342-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Traditional anatomical training methods in surgery, like cadaver dissection and didactic lectures, face limitations in availability, cost, and translating 2D to 3D understanding. Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers an innovative solution for medical education, particularly in orthopedics and trauma surgery, where complex bone structures are crucial. 3D-printed models show promise for improving anatomical learning, spatial understanding, and student satisfaction.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This longitudinal interventional study investigated the impact of different teaching methods on medical students' knowledge acquisition and perceptions regarding fibula fracture management. Sixty-seven 3rd or 4th-year students, randomized into three groups, participated. Group 1 received a 20-minute lecture, Group 2 engaged in model-based learning using a 3D-printed fibula model, and Group 3 received a combination of lecture and model-based learning. Knowledge was assessed via a written quiz, and subjective feedback and personal motivation were measured. Assessments occurred immediately before (t0), immediately after (t1), and four weeks after (t2) the teaching unit.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At baseline (t0), there were no significant group differences in processing time. Immediately post-training (t1), the lecture group showed the shortest processing time. The lecture + practice group achieved the highest mean knowledge score at t1, significantly outperforming both practice and lecture groups (8.25 vs. 5.09 vs. 6.82, p < 0.01). At the four-week follow-up (t2), significant group differences persisted, with lecture + practice maintaining a significantly higher mean score than practice (5.75 vs. 3.46, p < 0.05). Overall, knowledge significantly improved from t0 to t1 and t0 to t2, though a decrease was noted between t1 and t2. Subjective feedback consistently indicated that practical and combined methods were more suitable for understanding, enhanced security, and promoted interest.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>3D models improve anatomical learning and student satisfaction. The combined lecture + model approach demonstrated superior immediate and sustained knowledge acquisition for complex topics like fracture management. This aligns with pedagogical theories such as constructivism and cognitive load theory, suggesting that integrating theoretical context with physical models optimizes learning outcomes. This study underscores the importance of rigorous comparative designs for effectively integrating innovative tools like 3D printing into medical education.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":72036,"journal":{"name":"3D printing in medicine","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13523473/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148851905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Precision planning in congenital heart disease: the impact of 3D printing and virtual simulation.","authors":"Khadijah Maghrabi, Osman Al-Radi","doi":"10.1186/s41205-026-00336-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-026-00336-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Surgical planning in complex congenital heart disease (CHD) often involves challenging decisions between univentricular and biventricular repair. Traditional imaging modalities such as echocardiography, CT, MRI, and angiography provide detailed data but lack intuitive three-dimensional spatial visualization. This study aimed to establish a low-cost, scalable 3D modeling and surgical simulation approach for broader access to this technology in mid-sized or resource-limited pediatric cardiology centers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively studied 25 patients with complex CHD who underwent 3D modeling to assess suitability for biventricular repair. Patient-specific cardiac models were generated using open-source segmentation and post-processing software and fabricated using a desktop stereolithography (SLA) Formlabs 3D printer. Surgical baffles were simulated digitally and incorporated into the models to assess the feasibility of biventricular repair. Models were reviewed in multidisciplinary team meetings and shared online via a 3D viewing platform (Sketchfab) to allow remote consultation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 25 patients evaluated, 14 (56%) underwent a change in surgical strategy from univentricular to biventricular repair after review of the 3D models and simulated baffles. All patients who underwent revised biventricular repair had favorable short-term outcomes. The cost of model production ranged from USD 350 to 480 per patient, significantly lower than traditional outsourced workflows. The approach enabled improved spatial understanding of cardiac anatomy and facilitated collaborative decision-making across institutions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Low-cost 3D printed models can significantly impact surgical planning in complex CHD, increasing the feasibility of biventricular repair and reducing reliance on univentricular pathways.</p>","PeriodicalId":72036,"journal":{"name":"3D printing in medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148431571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design and measurement of 3D-printed variable-morphology and variable-density breast phantoms for mammography and breast CT dose assessment.","authors":"Catherine Paverd, Gianluca Piol, Davide Cester","doi":"10.1186/s41205-026-00335-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41205-026-00335-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Accurate dose quantification across radiation-based breast imaging techniques is important for patient safety, but currently available phantoms do not easily allow the assessment of the impact of breast size and density across modalities. Here we design, produce, and validate three dimensional (3D)-printed, variable-morphology, fillable phantoms for the purpose of radiation dose measurements and comparison studies. Three representative breast shapes (small, medium, large) were exported from real Breast Computed Tomography (BCT) data. Corresponding compressed shapes were generated following the Virtual Imaging Clinical Trials for Regulatory Evaluation (VICTRE) pipeline, in which morphology is controlled through 10 separate length and deformation parameters, optimized to match uncompressed phantom volumes. Surface models of each shape were printed using a 3D printer (Stratasys F370-3D, alphacam GmbH). Four mixtures, representative of Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories A-D, were prepared using varying ratios of 1.5% agarose gel (agar), rapeseed oil, and soy lecithin, poured into the printed surface models, and set overnight at [Formula: see text]C. Pre-calibrated dosimeters were placed on the irradiated surface of each phantom to measure Entrance Surface Dose (ESD). Compressed phantoms in all sizes and densities were successfully measured in a mammography device (Senographe Essential, GE Healthcare, DE). Uncompressed phantoms in all sizes and in three of the four densities were successfully measured in a BCT device (nu:view, Advanced Breast-CT). Measured ESD matched the values obtained with Monte Carlo simulations; for the unit equipped with automatic exposure control, the ESD increased with increasing breast size and with increasing breast density, confirming the known correlation between thickness, density, and ESD and validating the capabilities of the proposed phantoms to represent breasts with real physical properties.</p>","PeriodicalId":72036,"journal":{"name":"3D printing in medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13374221/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148426966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mixed-reality, heads-up navigation for percutaneous pedicle screw placement: a prospective accuracy and workflow study.","authors":"Ruili Zhuo, Hongrui Liu, Wei Liang, Chen Xu, Shaodong Sun, Guoyu Li","doi":"10.1186/s41205-026-00334-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-026-00334-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mixed-reality (MR) head-mounted navigation projects a three-dimensional hologram of the patient's spine directly into the surgeon's field of view, potentially enhancing the precision and speed of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. High-quality prospective data comparing MR with conventional fluoroscopy are scarce, prompting the present randomized study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixty-one adults (274 screws) were allocated to MR (30 patients, 136 screws) or fluoroscopy (31 patients, 138 screws). MR navigation yielded a greater proportion of accurately placed screws (96.3% vs. 89.9%; absolute difference 6.4%; p = 0.04) and shortened mean operative time by 28 min (83 ± 11 min vs. 111 ± 14 min; p < 0.001). Entry-point, angular and depth deviations were all significantly smaller with MR, while intra-operative fluoroscopic images fell by 42%. Early complications occurred in 3.3% of MR cases and 16.1% of controls, and holographic pre-operative counselling improved patient understanding and satisfaction (p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>MR head-mounted navigation is feasible, safe and more precise than fluoroscopic guidance, delivering faster procedures, fewer fluoroscopic shots and a short learning curve. These advantages support MR as a cost-effective next-generation guidance modality for minimally invasive spine surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":72036,"journal":{"name":"3D printing in medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Micro-costing of dental prosthetics in jaw reconstruction.","authors":"Aleksey D'Jamirze, Masako Dunn, Yee Mon Aung, John Martin, Dale Howes, Chris Ormsby, George A Petrides, Rebecca L Venchiarutti, Jonathan Clark, Timothy Manzie","doi":"10.1186/s41205-026-00333-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41205-026-00333-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Dental rehabilitation has a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction of the jaw. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology allows for precise and timely delivery of an implant-retained dental prosthesis. This study characterizes the cost to produce a point of care (in-house) 3D-printed resin dental prostheses for patients undergoing osseous free flap reconstruction.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Implant-retained dental prostheses for patients undergoing osseous free flap reconstruction of the maxilla or mandible produced by the Integrated Prosthetics and Reconstruction (IPR) laboratory at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Hospital between July 2023 and June 2024 were analysed. The costs of producing the prostheses were calculated using a \"bottom up\" approach where all activities associated with start-up, planning and fabrication were accounted for and unit costs for each activity quantified. Prostheses with incomplete data were excluded. All costs are reported in 2024 as USD.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-one patients met the study inclusion criteria of which the majority (n = 19) underwent mandibular reconstruction. Twelve patients underwent reconstruction for benign disease and 17 patients had the prosthesis placed at the primary reconstruction. The mean cost of producing the dental prosthesis was $861.72 (range: $702.78 - $1032.34). Start-up costs were the highest contributor (mean cost $333.71) per prosthesis, followed by the design/planning phase (mean cost $260.37), and fabrication phase (mean cost $267.64). The overall cost increased with increasing number of implant fixtures and the number of prosthetic units placed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>VSP and CAD/CAM technology allows for rapid and accessible dental rehabilitation following osseous free flap reconstruction. However, the significant startup costs of these technologies are likely to be a barrier to institutions wanting to introduce point-of-care manufacturing of dental prosthetics.</p>","PeriodicalId":72036,"journal":{"name":"3D printing in medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148364052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Use of 3D printed coracoid models for preoperative planning in the Latarjet procedure: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Vitor La Banca, Fernando Luiz Affonso Fonseca, Ana Victória Palagi Viganó, Luiz Giglio, Rodrigo Pereira Amarante, Henrique Schaffhausser, Guilherme Henrique Vieira Lima, Luiz Henrique Oliveira Almeida, Luis Gustavo Prata Nascimento, Joel Murachovsky, Roberto Yukio Ikemoto","doi":"10.1186/s41205-026-00329-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-026-00329-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Latarjet procedure is effective for treating recurrent anterior shoulder instability, but graft-related complications may occur. Accurate preoperative planning is essential to minimize these complications. Three-dimensional (3D) printed models may support surgical planning; however, their role in Latarjet surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether coracoid dimensions measured on 3D-printed models differ from intraoperative measurements and whether their use influences surgical decision-making.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, 25 patients underwent computed tomography based 3D printing of the scapula. Coracoid length, width, and thickness were measured on the 3D-printed models and compared with intraoperative pre- and post-osteotomy measurements using precision calipers. Surgeons also subjectively rated the usefulness of the 3D models for surgical planning.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant differences were observed in coracoid thickness among the three measurement time points (p = 0.6956). Significant differences were found for coracoid length (p = 0.0005) and width (p = 0.02) between the 3D model and pre-osteotomy measurements, while no differences were observed between pre- and post-osteotomy measurements. The models were rated as \"very helpful\" in 28% of cases, \"somewhat helpful\" in 52%, and \"not helpful\" in 20%. In three cases, preoperative planning with the 3D model resulted in a change in fixation strategy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Three-dimensional printed coracoid models provide reliable estimation of coracoid thickness and may assist in preoperative planning in selected Latarjet procedures, particularly when graft adequacy or fixation strategy is uncertain. Although statistically significant differences in length and width were observed, the models were considered helpful in most cases.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>IV.</p>","PeriodicalId":72036,"journal":{"name":"3D printing in medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148320936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Application-matched point-of-care 3D printing of functionalized polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites for patient-specific craniomaxillofacial implants.","authors":"Jokin Zubizarreta Oteiza, Yannick Krieger, Daniel Seiler, Florian M Thieringer, Neha Sharma","doi":"10.1186/s41205-026-00331-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41205-026-00331-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Native polyetheretherketone (PEEK) exhibits limitations in mechanical strength, radiographic visibility, and bioactivity for craniomaxillofacial (CMF) applications. This proof-of-concept study establishes the feasibility of point-of-care (POC) manufacturing for three functionalized PEEK composites for patient-specific CMF implants using a high-temperature material extrusion (MEX) system, with application-specific material selection to overcome these limitations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK (CFR-PEEK), barium sulfate-filled PEEK (BaSO₄-PEEK), and biphasic calcium phosphate-filled PEEK (BCP-PEEK) were fabricated into patient-specific mandibular reconstruction plates, orbital floor implants, and chin augmentation implants, respectively. Manufacturing success rates, dimensional accuracy via root mean square (RMS) deviation analysis, post-sterilization dimensional stability, and layer adhesion quality were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fabrication success rates of 100% (CFR-PEEK), 100% (BaSO₄-PEEK), and 85.7% (BCP-PEEK) were achieved. Dimensional accuracy analysis revealed RMS deviations of 0.16-0.29 mm between 3D-printed implants and original designs, within clinically acceptable ranges. Post-sterilization dimensional changes were minimal (RMS 0.05-0.07 mm). Complete layer adhesion was demonstrated across all materials, with no delamination or cracking observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings establish the manufacturing viability of POC fabrication of application-matched PEEK composites for patient-specific CMF implants, enhancing mechanical, radiographic, and bioactive properties whilst maintaining geometric customization.</p>","PeriodicalId":72036,"journal":{"name":"3D printing in medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13295568/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148310586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing bioactivity of 3D-printed porous scaffolds with self-assembling peptide hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering.","authors":"Michael Kainz, Damien Djian, Sharanya Sankar, Kerimcan Bagci, Shabnam Hemmati-Sadeghi, Isabel Caetano da Silva, Michael Sittinger, Elena Guillén, Tilo Dehne","doi":"10.1186/s41205-026-00330-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41205-026-00330-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cartilage repair is challenging due to the tissue's limited regenerative capacity. Synthetic 3D-printed scaffolds provide essential structural support, but typically lack the bioactivity needed for cell integration. A promising approach combines 3D-printed porous scaffolds filled with self-assembling peptide hydrogels, which serve as nanofiber scaffolds inside the macropores of the structural scaffold, creating a hybrid structure.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The selection strategy for the 3D printing of the synthetic scaffolds was driven by two distinct cross-linking processes: a vinyl-ester based thiol-ene photopolymer crosslinked via free radical polymerization and printed with digital light processing, resulting in a stiff mechanical network and polydimethylsiloxane, namely AMSil™ 20503-50 from the AMSil™ 20,503 series, printed via liquid deposition modeling and crosslinked through polyaddition, which yields flexible scaffolds capable of adapting to dynamic mechanical environments. These properties make them suitable for load-bearing applications where structural integrity is paramount. Both 3D-printed scaffold types, characterized by interconnected macropores ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 mm, were augmented with a peptide hydrogel scaffold, such as RADA16 and IEIK13, that self-assembles inside the macropores to create a nanofiber network mimicking the extracellular matrix and enhancing bioactivity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The hybrid structure, combining the macropores of a structural 3D-printed scaffold and the nanofiber network of the peptide hydrogel scaffold improved cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Comparative analysis showed that, while both RADA16 and IEIK13 hydrogels enhanced cell integration within the macropores, RADA16 was especially effective in supporting cartilage-like ECM formation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The creation of a hybrid scaffold with hierarchical porosity-integrating the structural macropores of a synthetic 3D-printed scaffold with the bioactive nanofiber network of a peptide hydrogel-addresses the limitations of purely structural scaffolds. The hybrid approach not only enhances fast and accessible scaffold fabrication but also accelerates the development of functional scaffolds.</p>","PeriodicalId":72036,"journal":{"name":"3D printing in medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13295509/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148310532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of a new operative 3D printed template-cranioplasty-concept for performing craniotomy in the posterior cranial fossa and validation of the system using a 3D printed simulation model: a preclinical feasibility study.","authors":"Svenja Jung, Maike Stummer, Christian König, Erdem Güresir, Dirk Winkler, Felix Arlt, Ronny Grunert","doi":"10.1186/s41205-026-00332-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41205-026-00332-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The retrosigmoid approach is a standard surgical route used for the treatment of various tumors and vascular lesions in the cerebellopontine angle. However, postoperative reconstruction of the surgical defect could remain challenging, particularly in cases requiring intraoperative extension. For this reason, a novel concept was developed to define the surgical approach and enable precise defect coverage using a patient-specific implant. This concept was designed to be patient-specific and realized through 3D printing.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The developed 3D printed template-implant concept was designed to facilitate precise craniotomy. The template is used as a stencil and a surgical marker is applied to delineate the implant contours directly on the patient's skull. This outline subsequently serves as a guide for where to perform the craniotomy and defines its boundaries. The custom-fit implant replicates the template design and ensures complete coverage of the craniotomy defect, while allowing intraoperative adjustment if required. Preclinical testing was conducted on a 3D printed simulation model representing the posterior cranial fossa (surgical area). The novel concept was tested by nine senior and attending neurosurgeons from the University Hospital Leipzig. Bilateral craniotomies were performed using the template and subsequently closed with the implant. The fit of the implant was evaluated using CT scans. The time required for preparation, including craniotomy, as well as for post-procedure handling, including implant placement, was recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The average gap of the new concept was 2.11 mm, which was significantly smaller than that of the current standard approach (5.52 mm) and showed lower variability. The entire procedure, including craniotomy and implant placement, took an average of 13 min and 20 s.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The novel template-implant concept for retrosigmoid approaches improves defect coverage and reduces gap sizes. Furthermore, it demonstrates the potential of 3D printed patient-specific implants for more precise and predictable surgical procedures, although further studies are required to validate efficiency and clinical safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":72036,"journal":{"name":"3D printing in medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13285088/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148273917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and preliminary validation of a multidisciplinary 3D‑printed skull base model for endoscopic endonasal surgical training.","authors":"B Sanz-Peña, M Suffo, L Galán-Romero, A Jiménez-Alba, V García-Alcántara, I Iglesias-Lozano, F Rodríguez-Peña","doi":"10.1186/s41205-026-00318-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41205-026-00318-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of the article is to present the development and application of a 3D-printed skull base model, which includes the internal carotid arteries, tumour and the optic nerve, to train neurosurgeons and ear, nose and throat (ENT) in performing the endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA). This procedure is challenging due to the proximity of critical structures such as nerves, blood vessels and brain.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>The 3D model was generated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, which provided detailed anatomical data. These scans were processed with 3D reconstruction software to accurately replicate the key areas, including the tumour and surrounding structures. Neurosurgery and ENT consultants and residents, practised the EEA using these printed models. After completing the procedures, participants filled out a questionnaire to evaluate the realism and reliability of the model by applying a statistical analysis appropriate to the study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The participants reported that the 3D-printed models provided a highly realistic simulation of the anatomical structures involved in the EEA. The model was deemed effective in replicating the key areas of interest, allowing them to safely practise the procedure in a controlled environment. Our results show that in two days approximately and for less than 10€, the surgeon may have the opportunity to train the surgery after establishing the printing parameters. A strong positive correlation was found among these variables (p < 0.01), suggesting that those who found the model useful also perceived a greater clinical applicability and believed that the 3D-printed model could help improve their surgical skills.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study demonstrates that 3D-printed models based on MRI and CT scans offer a reliable and realistic method for surgical training. These models provide an essential tool for practising complex procedures, such as the EEA, improving the safety and effectiveness of surgical training and potentially enhancing patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":72036,"journal":{"name":"3D printing in medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13244829/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147984459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}