Using Three-Dimensional Printing to Enhance Cross-Sectional Anatomy Instruction

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Medical Education
• 3-D Printing Technology

Background:

• Traditional anatomical teaching methods like films and prosections lack tactile feedback and can be costly.
• Understanding lower extremity anatomy in the transverse plane is crucial for diagnosing and treating podiatric conditions.
• Existing methods may obscure essential anatomical structures for medical students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of three-dimensional (3-D) printing for creating lower extremity anatomical models.
• To compare 3-D printing with traditional anatomical teaching methods.
• To assess the cost-effectiveness and reproducibility of 3-D printed anatomical models.

Main Methods:

• Lower limb cadaveric specimen was measured.
• Eight equal-width cross sections were excised.
• Manual sketches were digitized and 3-D printed.

Main Results:

• 3-D printing enables the creation of safe, reproducible, and customizable lower extremity cross sections.
• This method is relatively inexpensive compared to traditional techniques.
• 3-D printed models provide a tactile learning experience.

Conclusions:

• Cost-effective 3-D printing can enhance visuospatial comprehension of lower extremity anatomy.
• This technology advances traditional didactic teaching for medical students.
• 3-D printing improves clinical skills for interpreting imaging and planning surgeries like external fixation.