Clinical applications of physical 3D models derived from MDCT data and created by rapid prototyping

In this article, we describe the production of physical models from CT data using rapid prototyping and present their clinical application. MDCT data acquisition of isotropic voxels and modern postprocessing techniques provide exquisite detail for clinicians and radiologists.

In recent years, rapid prototyping technologies have provided new possibilities to visualize complex anatomic structures through the generation of physical models that can be used to assist with diagnosis, surgical planning, prosthesis design, and patient communication.