A three-dimensional laminated paper model of the scaphoid from computed tomography.

PURPOSE: To describe a method of producing a life-sized three-dimensional (3D) solid model of a scaphoid bone by combining multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) volume data and rapid prototyping technique using thin paper as material, and to evaluate the dimensional accuracy of the experimental model.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We experimentally produced life-sized 3D solid models of 14 cadavers' scaphoid bones using high-resolution MDCT volume data, and evaluated the dimensional accuracy of the 3D solid models.

RESULTS

The 3D solid model was almost perfectly produced in both size and shape (length, height, width, dorsal cortical angle, and landmarks of the scaphoid bone) compared to the real cadaver's scaphoid bone. In addition to accuracy, the cost and time for creating the model might be reasonable.

CONCLUSION

This technique may be useful in assisting repair of scaphoid bone fracture.