Rapid prototyping (RP), or stereolithography, is a new clinical application area,
which is used to obtain accurate three-dimensional physical replicas of complex
anatomical structures. The aim of this study was to create tangible hard copies of
the ethmoidal labyrinth air cells (ELACs) with stereolithographic biomodelling. The
visible human dataset (VHD) was used as the input imaging data. The Surfdriver
software package was applied to these images to reconstruct the ELACs as three-dimensional DXF (data exchange file) models. These models were post-processed
in 3D-Doctor software for virtual reality modelling language (VRML) and STL (Standard
Triangulation Language) formats. Stereolithographic replicas were manufactured
in a rapid prototyping machine by using the STL format. The total number of
ELACs was 21. The dimensions of the ELACs on the right and left sides were
52.91 x 13.00 x 28.68 mm and 53.79 x 12.42 x 28.55 mm, respectively. The
total volume of the ELACs was 4771.1003 mm3. The mean ELAC distance was
27.29 mm from the nasion and 71.09 mm from the calotte topologically. In conclusion,
the combination of Surfdriver and 3D-Doctor could be effectively used for
manufacturing 3D solid models from serial sections of anatomical structures. Stereolithographic
anatomical models provide an innovative and complementary tool
for students, researchers, and surgeons to apprehend these anatomical structures
tangibly. The outcomes of these attempts can provide benefits in terms of the
visualization, perception, and interpretation of the structures in anatomy teaching
and prior to surgical interventions. (Folia Morphol 2011; 70, 1: 33-40
