Healthc Inform Res.  2015 Jul;21(3):201-205. 10.4258/hir.2015.21.3.201.

Clinical Application of Solid Model Based on Trabecular Tibia Bone CT Images Created by 3D Printer

• Cho J
• Park CS
• Kim YJ
• Kim KG

• KMID: 2125190
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4258/hir.2015.21.3.201

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this work is to use a 3D solid model to predict the mechanical loads of human bone fracture risk associated with bone disease conditions according to biomechanical engineering parameters.
METHODS
We used special image processing tools for image segmentation and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction to generate meshes, which are necessary for the production of a solid model with a 3D printer from computed tomography (CT) images of the human tibia's trabecular and cortical bones. We examined the defects of the mechanism for the tibia's trabecular bones.
RESULTS
Image processing tools and segmentation techniques were used to analyze bone structures and produce a solid model with a 3D printer.
CONCLUSIONS
These days, bio-imaging (CT and magnetic resonance imaging) devices are able to display and reconstruct 3D anatomical details, and diagnostics are becoming increasingly vital to the quality of patient treatment planning and clinical treatment. Furthermore, radiographic images are being used to study biomechanical systems with several aims, namely, to describe and simulate the mechanical behavior of certain anatomical systems, to analyze pathological bone conditions, to study tissues structure and properties, and to create a solid model using a 3D printer to support surgical planning and reduce experimental costs. These days, research using image processing tools and segmentation techniques to analyze bone structures to produce a solid model with a 3D printer is rapidly becoming very important.

Keyword

3D Printer; Computed Tomography; Computer-Aided Design; Computer-Assisted; Image Processing; Prototype

MeSH Terms

Bone Diseases
Computer-Aided Design
Fractures, Bone
Humans
Tibia*

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Process from image acquisition to the production of a 3D solid object. CT: computed tomography.

• 

  Figure 2 Process from computed tomography (CT) image acquisition to the production of a 3D file, comprising four major steps: image is acquired from CT and raw CT data image is achieved, image segmentation is performed in image post-processing and a 3D file is reconstructed, a 3D structural computer-aided design (CAD) mesh file is constructed, smoothing method is applied to the irregular surface. (A) Raw CT image, (B) image segmentation, (C) 3D model meshing, and (D) 3D model smoothing.

• 

  Figure 3 Process to produce a 3D solid model.

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