DEVELOPMENT OF LOW-COST 3D PRINTED ACETABULAR FRACTURE MODELS FOR SURGICAL PLANNING

Introduction: The use of 3D printed anatomical models is continuing to improve surgical conditions across multiple fields. While many articles encourage the use of anatomical models, few articles discuss the guidelines for their overall production and what methods are acceptable to use for different purposes. The purpose of the current research is to compare 3D printed acetabular fracture models produced using different methodologies for use in surgical planning.Research design and methods: Five acetabular fracture models were developed from de-identified CT data using segmentation software and 3D printers at different price points. The measurement error in the printed models representation of the fracture and survey results of the model’s utility as a method of surgical planning were analyzed using one-way ANOVAs.Results: Significant differences were found on the model’s representation of the acetabular fracture on both the physical measurements and the survey information (p = 0.007 and p = 0.008, respectively).Conclusion: It is likely that anatomical models developed at any price point will be sufficient in providing some level of improved anatomy conceptualization. However, the results from this research indicate slight differences likely exist as a result of the method used to develop the model.