Methods for designing and fabrication large-size medical models for orthopaedics

摘要

Computed tomography and rapid prototyping techniques can be used to construct and fabricate large size bone models for orthopaedics. Rapid Prototyping technology enables the fabrication of a true-to-scale bone joint model based on 3D virtual models, generated by segmenting patients' CT images. The model can be used to plan, to simulate, to assist prosthesis implantation for difficult cases of THR (Total Hip Replacements). The main restriction of implementing such models into medical practice is high cost of their production. Physical models of pelvic bones, were constructed on the basis of data collected during standard CT examinations. A method of development of a large-size model while fulfilling the requirement for reducing the price of model fabrication in the article was presented. The method can be used for fabrication the models with 3DP technique. This paper also discusses the issue of production costs when utilizing other RP techniques as well as their usefulness in practice.