Feasibility study on accurate rapid prototyping for human hand bones and affiliated artery

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the feasibility of rapid prototyping for human hand bones and additional artery with topological preservation.

Design/methodology/approach

A serial of slices derived from spiral computed tomography human hand specimen was imported into 3DSlicer 4.4.0 to obtain a three-dimensional virtual model. The model is exported as a standard template library file. Additional arteries were structured according to the atlas and the bone model. Then, a real model was printed based on the virtual model. Measurements were approached in 11 parts of the virtual and real model.

Findings

There is no statistical difference between virtual and real model in 11 parts, and the topological characters were preserved.

Practical implications

This method can be used in reconstruction of clinical iconological blood vessel and anatomical education.

Originality/value

This paper shows that it is possible to keep the topological structure of blood vessel not only in painting but also in clinical data.

Citation

Ji, D., Wang, P., Zhang, X. and Chen, X. (2017), "Feasibility study on accurate rapid prototyping for human hand bones and affiliated artery", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 96-100. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-08-2015-0104