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. 2021 Jan;34(1):30-39.
doi: 10.1002/ca.23607. Epub 2020 May 5.

Investigation of a three-dimensional printed dynamic cervical spine model for anatomy and physiology education

William Clifton  1 , Aaron Damon  1 , Christy Soares  2 , Eric Nottmeier  1 , Mark Pichelmann  3
Affiliations

Investigation of a three-dimensional printed dynamic cervical spine model for anatomy and physiology education

William Clifton et al. Clin Anat. 2021 Jan.

Abstract

Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) printing of anatomical structures is a growing method of education for students and medical trainees. These models are generally produced as static representations of gross surface anatomy. In order to create a model that provides educators with a tool for demonstration of kinematic and physiologic concepts in addition to surface anatomy, a high-resolution segmentation and 3D-printingtechnique was investigated for the creation of a dynamic educational model.

Methods: An anonymized computed tomography scan of the cervical spine with a diagnosis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was acquired. Using a high-resolution thresholding technique, the individual facet and intervertebral spaces were separated, and models of the C3-7 vertebrae were 3D-printed. The models were placed on a myelography simulator and subjected to flexion and extension under fluoroscopy, and measurements of the spinal canal diameter were recorded and compared to in-vivo measurements. The flexible 3D-printed model was then compared to a static 3D-printed model to determine the educational benefit of demonstrating physiologic concepts.

Results: The canal diameter changes on the flexible 3D-printed model accurately reflected in-vivo measurements during dynamic positioning. The flexible model also was also more successful in teaching the physiologic concepts of spinal canal changes during flexion and extension than the static 3D-printed model to a cohort of learners.

Conclusions: Dynamic 3D-printed models can provide educators with a cost-effective and novel educational tool for not just instruction of surface anatomy, but also physiologic concepts through 3D ex-vivo modeling of case-specific physiologic and pathologic conditions.

Keywords: 3D printing; anatomy; cervical spine; medical education; medical simulation; neuroanatomy; ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament; simulation; spine.

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References

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