Clinical situations for which 3D printing is considered an appropriate representation or extension of data contained in a medical imaging examination: Neurosurgical and otolaryngologic conditions

BACKGROUND: Medical three dimensional (3D) printing is performed for neurosurgical and otolaryngologic conditions, but without evidence-based guidance on clinical appropriateness. A writing group composed of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Special Interest Group on 3D Printing (SIG) provides appropriateness recommendations for neurologic 3D printing conditions. METHODS: A structured literature search was conducted to identify all relevant articles using 3D printing technology associated with neurologic and otolaryngologic conditions. Each study was vetted by the authors and strength of evidence was assessed according to published guidelines. RESULTS: Evidence-based recommendations for when 3D printing is appropriate are provided for diseases of the calvaria and skull base, brain tumors and cerebrovascular disease. Recommendations are provided in accordance with strength of evidence of publications corresponding to each neurologic condition combined with expert opinion from members of the 3D printing SIG. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus guidance document, created by the members of the 3D printing SIG, provides a reference for clinical standards of 3D printing for neurologic conditions

The Human in 3D: Advanced Morphometric Analysis of High-Resolution Anatomically Accurate Computed Models

Computed virtual models of anatomical structures are proving to be of increasing value in clinical medicine, education and research. With a variety of fields focused on craniofacial and pelvic anatomy there is a need for accurate anatomical models. Recent technological advancements in computer and medical imaging technologies have provided the tools necessary to develop three-dimensional (3D) functional models of human anatomy for use in medicine (surgical planning and education), forensics and engineering (computer-aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis). Traditionally caliper methodologies are used in the quantitative analysis of human anatomy. In order for experts in anatomy and morphometrics to accept a transition to 3D volumetric data, it must be first validated as anatomically accurate. The purpose of this project was to create anatomically accurate models of modern human anatomy through the use of 3D medical imaging, such as multislice computed tomography (CT), and 3D computer modeling and reconstruction. This dissertation attempts to validate the models and address current morphometric methodologies with four separate studies. The important results found in these studies were: 1) Medical image data such as computed tomography scans can be used to create high-resolution anatomically accurate 3D models for education and research purposes. These models can be used in morphometric studies through virtual quantitative analyses. 2) 3D virtual models of the human pelvis are 100% accurate in the estimation of sex in the pelvis, which represents an increase in accuracy over current field methods. 3) 3D virtual models of the human skull are 95.1% accurate in estimating sex in the skull, which represents an increase in accuracy over current field methods. 4) 3D models of craniofacial anatomy can be used for soft tissue depth analysis studies and clinical image data is more representative of living individuals. By testing the imaging and 3D modeling technologies at several levels, we developed new methods for accurately analyzing virtual anatomy for an array of disciplines

Clinical Applications of 3D Printing: Primer for Radiologists

Three-dimensional (3D) printing refers to a number of manufacturing technologies that create physical models from digital information. Radiology is poised to advance the application of 3D printing in health care because our specialty has an established history of acquiring and managing the digital information needed to create such models. The 3D Printing Task Force of the Radiology Research Alliance presents a review of the clinical applications of this burgeoning technology, with a focus on the opportunities for radiology. Topics include uses for treatment planning, medical education, and procedural simulation, as well as patient education. Challenges for creating custom implantable devices including financial and regulatory processes for clinical application are reviewed. Precedent procedures that may translate to this new technology are discussed. The task force identifies research opportunities needed to document the value of 3D printing as it relates to patient care

Logistics of Three-dimensional Printing: Primer for Radiologists

The Association of University Radiologists Radiology Research Alliance Task Force on three-dimensional (3D) printing presents a review of the logistic considerations for establishing a clinical service using this new technology, specifically focused on implications for radiology. Specific topics include printer selection for 3D printing, software selection, creating a 3D model for printing, providing a 3D printing service, research directions, and opportunities for radiologists to be involved in 3D printing. A thorough understanding of the technology and its capabilities is necessary as the field of 3D printing continues to grow. Radiologists are in the unique position to guide this emerging technology and its use in the clinical arena

sj-docx-1-cpc-10.1177_10556656221151096 - Supplemental material for Design and Validation of a 3D Printed Cranio-Facial Simulator: A Novel Tool for Surgical Education

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-cpc-10.1177_10556656221151096 for Design and Validation of a 3D Printed Cranio-Facial Simulator: A Novel Tool for Surgical Education by Joshua M. Wright, Jonathan M. Ford, Fatima Qamar, Matthew Lee, Jordan N. Halsey, Matthew D. Smyth, Summer J. Decker and S. Alex Rottgers in The Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal</p