Dimensional accuracy of structured light scans and 3D prints of various human skeletal elements

Three-dimensional (3D) structured light scanning is a beneficial documentation technique in forensic anthropology because such models facilitate continued analysis and data sharing; they can also be 3D printed for demonstrative purposes in legal proceedings and training, without risk of damage to the original skeletal material. As its application in forensic anthropology is relatively novel, the aim of the present study is to statistically evaluate the dimensional accuracy of 3D structured light scans and 3D prints for ten bone types, including the cranium, mandible, 2nd cervical vertebra (C2), clavicle, scapula, capitate, 2nd metacarpal, os coxae, femoral head, and patella. Standard linear measurements are acquired in each physical bone, 3D virtual model, and 3D print of the same bone specimen. Variances between measurements of physical, virtual, and printed bones are quantified using the technical error of measurement (TEM), relative TEM (rTEM), and coefficient of reliability (R). Measurements acquired in the virtual models and prints were found to be within ±2 mm average of the same measurements in the physical bones, with a tendency to underestimate true value. rTEM and R values for the virtual clavicle, capitate, scapula and C2, and rTEM for the printed clavicle and capitate, were comparatively less reliable than for other bone types; although all bones were reproduced to within acceptable anthropological error standards (rTEM≤5 %; R≥0.95). This study reaffirms the use of 3D structured light scanning and 3D printing to complement traditional skeletal documentation in forensic anthropology.