Abstract:

3D printing is an emerging technology that is primarily used for aiding the design and prototyping of implants. As this technology has evolved it has now become possible to produce functional and definitive implants manufactured using a 3D printing process. This process, however, previously required a large financial investment in complex machinery and professionals skilled in 3D product design. Our pilot study’s aim was to design and create a 3D printed custom orthopaedic implant using only freely available consumer hardware and software. Standard CT scans were used to create a 3D surface render of a cadaveric radial head. This was then manipulated, mirrored, and converted into an implant, which was 3D printed in stainless steel using a consumer service. The model produced was an accurate mirror image replica of the patient’s original anatomy showing no significant statistical difference when the CT model was compared with the cadaveric model (p = 0.23) or when the 3D printed radial head model was compared with the cadaveric original (p = 0.42). Production from original CT scan took a total of 10 days, and the total cost including shipping was £32.

Authors:

Mr Mark Frame, MBChB, FRCS Glas, Tr & O, Orthopaedic Specialist Registrar Year 8, Western Infirmary , Glasgow, Scotland, Mr William Leach, MBChB, FRCS Ed, Tr & O, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Western Infirmary , Glasgow, Scotland

PMID:  24574013

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