Three-Dimensional Plastic Modeling on Bone Frames for Cost-Effective Neuroanatomy Teaching

Abstract

Cadaveric models remain an essential part of medical training across all specialties. Due to their scarcity, high costs, and possible health hazards, there is a need for more accessible and affordable alternatives, especially in low-resource settings. We introduce cost-effective and easily replicable three-dimensional (3D) printed models to help democratize access to hands-on neuroanatomy education. Silicone-based glue is applied on the surface of a 3D-printed or cadaveric bone frame. Using plastiline on a 3 mm 3D acrylonitrile butadiene styrene pen, the desired anatomical structure is printed on the bone frame. A heat gun is used to smoothen the plastic edges. The structure can then be painted according to its appearance in the real anatomy. Using this technique, we successfully generated a variety of anatomical models to study the cerebrovascular anatomy, the course of the cranial nerves in relation to the skull base, and extracranial structures including the spine. Procurement and conservation of cadaveric specimens can be cumbersome. Our model may be an affordable and easily replicable approach to bridging the gap in anatomy education between low- and high-resource facilities.

Keywords: 3d pen; 3d printing; anatomy; education; low-cost; training model.

Figure 1. (A, B) The arterial (red) and venous (blue) vasculature of the intracranial cavity has been printed onto a skull base model illustrating the three-dimensional (3D) relationships between vascular and bony structures. (C) The dural venous sinuses have been 3D-printed onto the skull base in blue. (D) 3D-printed objects can be easily detached from the underlying bone frame causing no damage to the bone or the 3D-printed structure. The posterior arterial circulation was initially printed on a cadaveric skull base and then detached.

Figure 2. (A, B) The dural venous sinuses (blue), the circle of Willis (red), and cranial nerves III, IV, and V (yellow) have been three-dimensional (3D)-printed to demonstrate their course in relation to the skull base. (C) The course of the internal carotid artery (red) is easily traceable. (D) 3D printing can be used to preserve or reconstruct defective bone parts and anatomical models.

Figure 3. (A) The hip muscles have been drawn onto a real femur and pelvis bone to show the attachment of the major muscles responsible for hip movement. (B) Three-dimensional (3D)-printed spinal nerves can be studied in relation to various bony and vascular structures. (C) Muscles of facial expression and mastication are printed onto a skull model. The branches of the facial vein can be seen in blue. (D) Both facial muscles and the intracranial vasculature of the left hemisphere can be seen. (E) The course of the trigeminal nerve branches has been drawn in yellow.