scholarly journals Three-Dimensional-Printed Model-Assisted Management of Craniovertebral Junction Abnormalities: An Institutional Experience with Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prashant Agarwal ◽  
Sanjeev Chopra ◽  
Virendra Deo Sinha ◽  
Rashim Kataria

Study Design: Prospective study.Purpose: To evaluate the utility and limitations of using three-dimensional (3D)-printed models for the management of craniovertebral (CV) junction abnormalities.Overview of Literature: In comparison to other bony and vascular anomalies, CV junction abnormalities are difficult to treat. For cases of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD), posterior reduction and stabilization have replaced anterior decompression as the standard management protocol. The use of 3D models, such as those described herein, can provide surgeons with in-depth knowledge of the vertebral artery course and bony anomalies associated with CV junction abnormalities.Methods: Clinical and radiological features of 18 patients with CV junction abnormalities were analyzed between March 2017 and February 2019 at Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur, India. Dynamic computed tomography (CT) of the CV junction and CT angiographies of the neck with respect to the vertebral artery course at the C1–C2 joints were obtained and studied. Customized 3D models of the CV junction were then made based on the CT data, and rehearsal of the surgical procedure was performed using the 3D model one day prior to performing the actual procedure.Results: Seventeen patients had congenital-type AAD, whereas one patient had posttraumatic AAD. Improvements in neck pain and myelopathy were seen in all patients at the follow-up, as analyzed using the Visual Analog Scale and the Japanese Orthopedic Association Scale score, respectively. There were no cases of malpositioning of screws or any direct vertebral artery injury, although in one patient, the distal flow in the dominant vertebral artery was cut off as it got compressed between the bony arch and the screw head.Conclusions: Compared to computer-generated images, 3D-printed models are a more practical approach for dealing with complex CV junction abnormalities. They provide surgeons with deep insights into the complex bony anomalies as well as variations in the vertebral artery courses, thereby improving surgical outcomes.

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 740-744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atul Goel ◽  
Bhavin Jankharia ◽  
Abhidha Shah ◽  
Prashant Sathe

Complex craniovertebral junctional anomalies can be daunting to treat surgically, and preoperative information regarding the osseous abnormalities, course of the vertebral arteries, size of the pedicles, and location of the transverse foramina is invaluable to surgeons operating on these challenging cases. The authors present their experience with the emerging technology of 3D model acquisition for surgery in 11 cases of complex craniovertebral junction region anomalies. For each case, a 3D printed model was made from thin CT scans using a 64-slice CT scanner. The inclination of the joints, the presence of false articulations, the size of the pedicles, and the course of the vertebral arteries were studied preoperatively on the 3D models. The sizes of the plates and screws to be used and the angle of insertion of the screws were calculated based on the data from the models. The model was scaled to actual size and was kept beside the operating surgeon in its anatomical position during surgery. The potential uses of the models and their advantages over conventional radiological investigations are discussed. The authors conclude that 3D models can be an invaluable aid during surgery for complex craniovertebral junction anomalies. The information available from a real life-size model supersedes the information available from 3D CT reconstructions and can also be superior to virtual simulation. The models are both cost effective and easy to build and the authors suggest that they may form the basis of investigations in the near future for craniovertebral junction surgery.


2020 ◽  
Vol 114 (5) ◽  
pp. 370-381
Author(s):  
Derrick W. Smith ◽  
Sandra A. Lampley ◽  
Bob Dolan ◽  
Greg Williams ◽  
David Schleppenbach ◽  
...  

Introduction: The emerging technology of three-dimensional (3D) printing has the potential to provide unique 3D modeling to support specific content in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, particularly chemistry. Method: Seventeen ( n = 17) students with visual impairments were provided direct instruction on chemistry atomic orbital content and allowed to use either print or tactile graphics or 3D models in rotating order. Participants were asked specific content questions based upon the atomic orbitals. Results: The students were asked two sets of comprehension questions: general and specific. Overall, students’ responses for general questions increased per iteration regardless of which manipulative was used. For specific questions, the students answered more questions correctly when using the 3D model regardless of order. When asked about their perceptions toward the manipulatives, the students preferred the 3D model over print or tactile graphics. Discussion: The findings show the potential for 3D printed materials in learning complex STEM content. Although the students preferred the 3D models, they all mentioned that a combination of manipulatives helped them better understand the material. Implications for practitioners: Practitioners should consider the use of manipulatives that include 3D printed materials to support STEM education.


2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 869-877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel B. Dadi ◽  
Timothy R.B. Taylor ◽  
Paul M. Goodrum ◽  
William F. Maloney

Engineering information delivery can be a source of inefficient communication of design, leading to construction rework and lower worker morale. Due to errors, omissions, and misinterpretations, there remains a great opportunity to improve the traditional documentation of engineering information that craft professionals use to complete their work. Historically, physical three dimensional (3D) models built by hand provided 3D physical representations of the project to assist in sequencing, visualization, and planning of critical construction activities. This practice has greatly diminished since the adoption of 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling technologies. Recently, additive manufacturing (a.k.a. 3D printing) technologies have allowed for three dimensional printing of 3D CAD models. A cognitive experiment was established to measure the effectiveness of 2D drawings, a 3D computer model, and a 3D printed model in delivering engineering information to an end-user are scientifically measured. The 3D printed model outperformed the 2D drawings and 3D computer interface in productivity measures. This paper’s primary contribution to the body of knowledge is identification of how different mediums of engineering information influence the performance of a simple task execution.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay S. Hung ◽  
Michael J. Paulsen ◽  
Hanjay Wang ◽  
Camille Hironaka ◽  
Y. Joseph Woo

In recent years, advances in medical imaging and three-dimensional (3D) additive manufacturing techniques have increased the use of 3D-printed anatomical models for surgical planning, device design and testing, customization of prostheses, and medical education. Using 3D-printing technology, we generated patient-specific models of mitral valves from their pre-operative cardiac imaging data and utilized these custom models to educate patients about their anatomy, disease, and treatment. Clinical 3D transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography images were acquired from patients referred for mitral valve repair surgery and segmented using 3D modeling software. Patient-specific mitral valves were 3D-printed using a flexible polymer material to mimic the precise geometry and tissue texture of the relevant anatomy. 3D models were presented to patients at their pre-operative clinic visit and patient education was performed using either the 3D model or the standard anatomic illustrations. Afterward, patients completed questionnaires assessing knowledge and satisfaction. Responses were calculated based on a 1–5 Likert scale and analyzed using a nonparametric Mann–Whitney test. Twelve patients were presented with a patient-specific 3D-printed mitral valve model in addition to standard education materials and twelve patients were presented with only standard educational materials. The mean survey scores were 64.2 (±1.7) and 60.1 (±5.9), respectively (p = 0.008). The use of patient-specific anatomical models positively impacts patient education and satisfaction, and is a feasible method to open new opportunities in precision medicine.


2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (8) ◽  
pp. 1041-1044
Author(s):  
Matthias Schlund ◽  
Jean-Marc Levaillant ◽  
Romain Nicot

Parental prenatal counseling is of paramount significance since parents often experience an emotional crisis with feelings of disappointment and helplessness. Three-dimensional (3D) printed model of the unborn child’s face presenting with cleft lip and palate, based on ultrasonographic information, could be used to provide visual 3D information, further enhancing the prospective parent’s comprehension of their unborn child’s pathology and morphology, helping them to be psychologically prepared and improving the communication with the caretaking team. Prospective parents appreciate if prenatal counseling is available with the most detailed information as well as additional resources. The technique necessary to create 3D models after ultrasonographic information is explained, and the related costs are evaluated. The use of such models in parental education is then discussed.


2008 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 485-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masashi Yamazaki ◽  
Akihiko Okawa ◽  
Mitsuhiro Hashimoto ◽  
Atsuomi Aiba ◽  
Yukio Someya ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 4262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecile Meier ◽  
Jose Saorín ◽  
Jorge de la Torre-Cantero ◽  
Manuel Díaz-Alemán

At present it is easy to digitalize sculptural heritage in 3D. Three-dimensional models allow for visualization of the work from all angles. The result can be seen in three-dimensional visors, in virtual reality, or by means of 3D-printed replicas. However, the recipient continues to be, as is also the case in books and videos, a passive spectator of the cultural patrimony. In order to promote participation and to increase interest in local heritage, alternative methods for promotion of the digital patrimony have been developed. In this article, two means of publicizing local (less-known) heritage in an active manner have been described. On the one hand, the transformation of 3D models into cut-outs (paper toys) where it is necessary to make the sculptures by hand, and on the other hand, the incorporation of the models into the video game Minecraft, an immersed 3D world which permits visiting or generating content. To validate these alternatives, two examples based on the sculptures of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain) have been created, and they have been used in pilot studies in schools in order to obtain a first appraisal of user satisfaction.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunyan Zhong ◽  
Yanli Guo ◽  
Haiyun Huang ◽  
Liwen Tan ◽  
Yi Wu ◽  
...  

Objectives.To establish 3D models of coronary arteries (CA) and study their application in localization of CA segments identified by Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE).Methods.Sectional images of the heart collected from the first CVH dataset and contrast CT data were used to establish 3D models of the CA. Virtual dissection was performed on the 3D models to simulate the conventional sections of TTE. Then, we used 2D ultrasound, speckle tracking imaging (STI), and 2D ultrasound plus 3D CA models to diagnose 170 patients and compare the results to coronary angiography (CAG).Results.3D models of CA distinctly displayed both 3D structure and 2D sections of CA. This simulated TTE imaging in any plane and showed the CA segments that corresponded to 17 myocardial segments identified by TTE. The localization accuracy showed a significant difference between 2D ultrasound and 2D ultrasound plus 3D CA model in the severe stenosis group (P<0.05) and in the mild-to-moderate stenosis group (P<0.05).Conclusions.These innovative modeling techniques help clinicians identify the CA segments that correspond to myocardial segments typically shown in TTE sectional images, thereby increasing the accuracy of the TTE-based diagnosis of CHD.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. E343-E349 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Bairamian ◽  
Shinuo Liu ◽  
Behzad Eftekhar

Abstract BACKGROUND Three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the neurovascular structures has helped preoperative surgical planning. 3D printed models and virtual reality (VR) devices are 2 options to improve 3D stereovision and stereoscopic depth perception of cerebrovascular anatomy for aneurysm surgery. OBJECTIVE To investigate and compare the practicality and potential of 3D printed and VR models in a neurosurgical education context. METHODS The VR angiogram was introduced through the development and testing of a VR smartphone app. Ten neurosurgical trainees from Australia and New Zealand participated in a 2-part interactive exercise using 3 3D printed and VR angiogram models followed by a questionnaire about their experience. In a separate exercise to investigate the learning curve effect on VR angiogram application, a qualified neurosurgeon was subjected to 15 exercises involving manipulating VR angiograms models. RESULTS VR angiogram outperformed 3D printed model in terms of resolution. It had statistically significant advantage in ability to zoom, resolution, ease of manipulation, model durability, and educational potential. VR angiogram had a higher questionnaire total score than 3D models. The 3D printed models had a statistically significant advantage in depth perception and ease of manipulation. The results were independent of trainee year level, sequence of the tests, or anatomy. CONCLUSION In selected cases with challenging cerebrovascular anatomy where stereoscopic depth perception is helpful, VR angiogram should be considered as a viable alternative to the 3D printed models for neurosurgical training and preoperative planning. An immersive virtual environment offers excellent resolution and ability to zoom, potentiating it as an untapped educational tool.


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