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3D printing: a novel technology for livestock sector knowledge dissemination
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to prompt ideas amongst readers (especially librarians) about how they can become active partners in knowledge dissemination amongst concerned user groups by implementing 3D printing technology under the “Makerspace.”
Design/methodology/approach
The paper provides a brief account of various tools and techniques used by veterinary and animal sciences institutions for information dissemination amongst the stakeholders and associated challenges with a focus on the use of 3D printing technology to overcome the bottlenecks. An overview of the 3D printing technology has been provided following the instances of use of this novel technology in veterinary and animal sciences. An initiative of the University Library, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, to harness the potential of this technology in disseminating information amongst livestock stakeholders has been discussed.
Findings
3D printing has the potential to enhance learning in veterinary and animal sciences by providing hands-on exposure to various anatomical structures, such as bones, organs and blood vessels, without the need for a cadaver. This approach enhances students’ spatial understanding and helps them better understand anatomical concepts. Libraries can enhance their visibility and can contribute actively to knowledge dissemination beyond traditional library services.
Originality/value
The ideas about how to harness the potential of 3D printing in knowledge dissemination amongst livestock sector stakeholders have been elaborated. This promotes creativity amongst librarians enabling them to think how they can engage in knowledge dissemination thinking out of the box.
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Sometimes cranioplasty is necessary to reconstruct skull bone defects after a neurosurgical operation. If an autologous bone is unavailable, alloplastic materials are used. The standard technical approach for the fabrication of cranial implants is based on 3D imaging by computed tomography using the defect and the contralateral site. A new approach uses 3D surface scans, which accurately replicate the curvature of the removed bone flap. For this purpose, the removed bone flap is scanned intraoperatively and digitized accordingly. When using a design procedure developed for this purpose creating a patient-specific implant for each bone flap shape in short time is possible. The designed skull implants have complex free-form surfaces analogous to the curvature of the skull, which is why additive manufacturing is the ideal manufacturing technology here. In this study, we will describe the intraoperative procedure for the acquisition of scanned data and its further processing up to the creation of the implant.
Simple Summary
Anatomy is regarded as a key element in medical and veterinary education all over the world. It is a subject of voluminous and sometimes complex content, which normally causes students’ different difficulties. These difficulties increase dramatically when it comes to the study of neuroanatomy. Hence, there have been continued efforts in developing new methods of teaching, learning and assessment that are aimed at the long-term retention of anatomical and neuroanatomical knowledge. Additionally, clinical neurology can be difficult for veterinary students to comprehend, and there is no doubt that part of its understanding is directly related to the knowledge of neuroanatomy. Therefore, the aim of this present work is to be a teaching tool oriented towards clinical neurology and clinical practice, through 3D reconstructions of magnetic resonance images of normal brains and clinical neurological cases.
Abstract
Neuroanatomy is always a challenging topic for veterinary students. It is widely accepted that understanding the anatomy of the central nervous system (CNS) is essential to explain many of the pathological processes that affect the brain. Although its study has varied over time to achieve this goal, in human and veterinary medicine it is difficult to find a teaching method that associates normal anatomy with pathological alterations of the brain. For the first time, we have created an educational tool that combines neuroanatomy and neuropathology, using different magnetic resonance (MR) images as a basis and EspINA software as analyzer, to obtain segmented structures and 3D reconstructions of the dog brain. We demonstrate that this combination is an optimal tool to help anatomists to understand the encephalon, and additionally to help clinicians to recognize illness including a multitude of neurological problems. In addition, we have tried to see whether photogrammetry, which is a common technique in other sciences, for example geology, could be useful to teach veterinary neuroanatomy. Although we still need further investigations, we have been able to generate 3D reconstructions of the whole brain, with very promising results to date.
Three dimensional (3D) printing technology in veterinary anatomy education is an evolving area providing accurately, rapidly, and reproducibly anatomical specimens. In this study, 3D printed sheep brain models were produced using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning, and their effectiveness was compared with cadaveric materials by creating three groups from undergraduate veterinary students. The study was performed when veterinary anatomy lectures in Erciyes University were carried out via live fully online learning platforms in virtual classes like many other universities in the world due the Covid-19 pandemic. Participants were subjected to an approximately 30 minute online lecture on the external and internal anatomy of the sheep brain using cadaveric materials only (n=21, Group 1), 3D printed models only (n=20, Group 2), or a combination of cadaveric materials and 3D printed models (n=20, Group 3) as teaching aids. Online post-tests carried out following the online lectures showed no statistically significant difference between the scores of the groups. Furthermore, online questionnaires conducted after the post-tests demonstrated that 3D printed models helped students learn about sheep brain anatomy. The finding of this study suggests that 3D printed models can be considered as a supplement teaching resource to cadaveric materials in veterinary anatomy education particularly when students are supposed to learn more in a limited time regardless of whether or not the Covid-19 pandemic might end.
Purpose
After surgical treatment of comminuted diaphyseal femoral and tibial fractures, relevant malalignment, especially rotational errors occur in up to 40–50%. This either results in a poor clinical outcome or requires revision surgery. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of reduction if surgery is supported by 3D guides planned and printed at the point of care.
Methods
Ten porcine legs underwent computed tomography (CT) and 3D models of femur and tibia were built. Reduction guides were virtually constructed and fitted to the proximal and distal metaphysis. The guides were 3D printed using medically approved resin. Femoral and tibial comminuted diaphyseal fractures were simulated and subsequently reduced using the 3D guides. Postoperative 3D bone models were reconstructed to compare the accuracy to the preoperative planning.
Results
Femoral reduction showed a mean deviation ± SD from the plan of 1.0 mm ± 0.9 mm for length, 0.9° ± 0.7° for varus/valgus, 1.2° ± 0.9° for procurvatum/recurvatum and 2.0° ± 1.7° for rotation. Analysis of the tibial reduction revealed a mean deviation ± SD of 2.4 mm ± 1.6 mm for length, 1.0° ± 0.6° for varus/valgus, 1.3° ± 1.4° for procurvatum/recurvatum and 2.9° ± 2.2° for rotation.
Conclusions
This study shows high accuracy of reduction with 3D guides planned and printed at the point of care. Applied to a clinical setting, this technique has the potential to avoid malreduction and consecutive revision surgery in comminuted diaphyseal fractures.
Level of Evidence
Basic Science.
Background
Advanced diagnostic imaging is an essential part of preoperative planning for oral and maxillofacial surgery in veterinary patients. 3-dimensional (3D) printed models and surgical guides generated from diagnostic imaging can provide a deeper understanding of the complex maxillofacial anatomy, including relevant spatial relationships. Additionally, patient-specific 3D printed models allow surgeons and trainees to better examine anatomical features through tactile and visuospatial feedback allowing for improved preoperative planning, intraoperative guidance, and enhanced trainee education. Furthermore, these models facilitate discussions with pet owners, allowing for improved owner understanding of pathology, and educated decision-making regarding treatment.
Case presentation
Our case series consists of three 3D printed models segmented from computed tomography (CT) and cone beam CT (CBCT) and fabricated via desktop vat polymerization for preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance for resection of maxillary osteosarcoma, mandibular reconstruction after mandibulectomy, and gap arthroplasty for temporomandibular joint ankylosis in dogs.
Conclusions
We illustrate multiple benefits and indications for 3D printing in veterinary oral and maxillofacial surgery. 3D printed models facilitate the understanding of complex surgical anatomy, creating an opportunity to assess the spatial relationship of the relevant structures. It facilitates individualized surgical planning by allowing surgeons to tailor and augment the surgical plan by examining patient-specific anatomy and pathology. Surgical steps may also be simulated in advance, including planning of osteotomy lines, and pre-contouring of titanium plates for reconstruction. Additionally, a 3D printed model and surgical guide also serve as invaluable intraoperative reference and guidance. Furthermore, 3D printed models have the potential to improve veterinary resident and student training as well as pet owner understanding and communication regarding the condition of their pets, treatment plan and intended outcomes.
The successful clinical application of bone tissue engineering requires customized implants based on the receiver's bone anatomy and defect characteristics. Three-dimensional (3D) printing in small animal orthopedics has recently emerged as a valuable approach in fabricating individualized implants for receiver-specific needs. In veterinary medicine, because of the wide range of dimensions and anatomical variances, receiver-specific diagnosis and therapy are even more critical. The ability to generate 3D anatomical models and customize orthopedic instruments, implants, and scaffolds are advantages of 3D printing in small animal orthopedics. Furthermore, this technology provides veterinary medicine with a powerful tool that improves performance, precision , and cost-effectiveness. Nonetheless, the individualized 3D-printed implants have benefited several complex orthopedic procedures in small animals, including joint replacement surgeries, critical size bone defects, tibial tuberosity advancement, patellar groove replacement, limb-sparing surgeries , and other complex orthopedic procedures. The main purpose of this review is to discuss the application of 3D printing in small animal orthopedics based on already published papers as well as the techniques and materials used to fabricate 3D-printed objects. Finally, the advantages, current limitations, and future directions of 3D printing in small animal orthopedics have been addressed.
3D printing or additive manufacturing is one of the newest technologies that has begun to be used for production of anatomical models in veterinary medicine. The main aim of this research was to evaluate the total cost required for 3D printing of different anatomical models and the cost-effectiveness of use of these technologies in practice. For purpose of this study, we evaluated a cost of 3D printed model of the human heart, inner ear, cross-section of the animal cell and spinal cord, sheep, cow and cat brain and complete dog model with internal organs. The costs were calculated separately for raw material consumption and personnel operative work. The results show that 3D printing technologies are cost-effective for the production of anatomical models, and the total cost depends mostly on working time of the personnel.
Any technique that assists the study of anatomy is important for the development of learning because knowledge creates a fundamental connection to the clinical and surgical routine. Three-dimensional (3D) model printing has gained visibility by achieving similarities between the real model and the printed one. This work aimed to produce 3D-printed anatomical pieces which are true to the real parts of the flat (scapula) and long (humerus, radius and ulna) bones of the thoracic limb in cats. Domestic cat bones from the FMVZ-USP Veterinary Macroscopic Anatomy Laboratory collection were used to obtain the scanned images and prints of the 3D models. The obtained 3D models were similar to the real bones and included the anatomical particularities of the species. Anatomical details of the scapula, humerus, radius, and ulna were reliably obtained. This study produced digital and printed 3D anatomical models of the flat and long bones of the thoracic limb, which can be used interactively and dynamically to teach comparative and applied anatomy.
This article aims to standardize 3D scanning and printing of dog skulls for educational use and evaluate the effectiveness of these anatomical printed models for a veterinary anatomy course. Skulls were selected for scanning and creating 3D-printed models through Fused Deposition Modeling using acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. After a lecture on skull anatomy, the 3D-printed and real skull models were introduced during the practical bone class to 140 students. A bone anatomy practical test was conducted after a month; it consisted in identifying previously marked anatomical structures of the skull bones. The students were divided into two groups for the exam; the first group of students took the test on the real skulls, whereas the second group students took the test on 3D printed skulls. The students' performance was evaluated using similar practical examination questions. At the end of the course, these students were asked to answer a brief questionnaire about their individual experiences. The results showed that the anatomical structures of the 3D printed skulls were similar to the real skulls. There was no significant difference between the test scores of the students that did their test using the real skulls and those using 3D prints. In conclusion, it was possible to construct a dynamic and printed digital 3D collection for studies of the comparative anatomy of canine skull species from real skulls, suggesting that 3D digitalized and printed skulls can be used as tools in veterinary anatomy teaching.
A 9-year-old spayed female dachshund presented with a large multilobular osteochondrosarcoma of the crania, with obliteration of approximately 70% of the surface area of the dorsal calvaria and intracranial extension. The mass was excised with histologically clean lateral bone margins (2–4 mm) and invasion at the deep margin. The resulting defect was reconstructed with a custom titanium plate. The patient recovered routinely and was asymptomatic until 7 months postoperatively. The patient developed intractable seizures 7 months postoperatively and was euthanized. Post-mortem examination showed tumor regrowth within the brain parenchyma. No abnormalities were seen associated with the plate. The patient-specific, custom additive manufactured titanium plate provided an excellent option for anatomic reconstruction and protection of the brain over a relatively large area with no complications noted.
Background:
Three-dimensional (3D) scanning and printing for the production of models is an innovative tool that can be used in veterinary anatomy practical classes. Ease of access to this teaching material can be an important aspect of learning the anatomy of domestic animals. In this study, a scanner was used to capture 3D images and a 3D printer that performs die-cast printing was used to produce skeletal models of the thoracic limb of a horse.
Methods:
Bones from a horse were selected for scanning and creation of 3D-printed models. The printer used a filamentous thermoplastic material (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene [ABS]) which was deposited together with a support resin. Comparisons of the anatomical characteristics (measurements from the original and printed bone) were analyzed to determine the p-value.
Results:
Bones from the thoracic limb: scapula, humerus, radius and ulna, carpus and phalanges were used to produce digital and physical models for 3D impressions. Then the anatomical characteristics of the 3D printed models were compared with those of the original bones. The p-value was measured to be 0.9126, indicative of a strong evidence of similarity between the 3D-printed models and specimens. Thus, there was no significant statistical difference between the models and the original anatomical parts.
Conclusions:
The anatomical characteristics were successfully identified in the 3D-printed copies, demonstrating that models of animal bones can be reproduced using 3D printing technology for use in veterinary education.
Additive manufacturing, also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, is bringing the technological breakthrough in many areas, such as engineering, art, education, and medicine. Two separate themes are described in this study. The first theme is to present a graphical 3D modeling approach of different hyoid bones. The second theme involves making 3D printing models of these bony structures and compared with original forms. Different hyoid bones (horse, cattle, dog, cat, and pig) were used to produce 3D printing models. Hyoid bones were scanned with the multidetector computed tomography (MD CT). Two-dimensional (2D) images were stored in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) and segmentation and post-processing of these images were performed. 3D reconstructed images of the hyoid bones were acquired with 3D Slicer software. 3D models of the hyoid bones were recorded in stereolithography (STL)
file format on the computer. These STL images were then used to produce physical 3D printing models with the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printer and polylactic acid (PLA) filament. It was known that hyoid bones are very thin and fragile. For this reason, 3D printed models could be used for these characteristic bones. These 3D models were seen useful for anatomy education and hard to break compared to original bones. It was seen that it could be rapidly produced by 3D printing technology for anatomy education in practical lessons. This study shows that durable, real-like bone specimens
could be produced with minimal equipment and manpower. It was observed that both produced 3D models and 3D reconstructed images can be used during veterinary anatomy education.
Access to adequate anatomical specimens can be an important aspect in learning the anatomy of domestic animals. In this study, the authors utilized a structured light scanner and fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer to produce highly accurate animal skeletal models. First, various components of the bovine skeleton, including the femur, the fifth rib, and the sixth cervical (C6) vertebra were used to produce digital models. These were then used to produce 1:1 scale physical models with the FDM printer. The anatomical features of the digital models and three-dimensional (3D) printed models were then compared with those of the original skeletal specimens. The results of this study demonstrated that both digital and physical scale models of animal skeletal components could be rapidly produced using 3D printing technology. In terms of accuracy between models and original specimens, the standard deviations of the femur and the fifth rib measurements were 0.0351 and 0.0572, respectively. All of the features except the nutrient foramina on the original bone specimens could be identified in the digital and 3D printed models. Moreover, the 3D printed models could serve as a viable alternative to original bone specimens when used in anatomy education, as determined from student surveys. This study demonstrated an important example of reproducing bone models to be used in anatomy education and veterinary clinical training. Anat Sci Educ. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.
3D-printing (3DP) is the art and science of printing in a new dimension using 3D printers to transform 3D computer aided designs (CAD) into life-changing products. This includes the design of more effective and patient-friendly pharmaceutical products as well as bio-inspired medical devices. It is poised as the next technology revolution for the pharmaceutical and medical-device industries. After decorous implementation scientists in collaboration with CAD designers have produced innovative medical devices ranging from pharmaceutical tablets to surgical transplants of the human face and skull, spinal implants, prosthetics, human organs and other biomaterials. While 3DP may be cost-efficient, a limitation exists in the availability of 3D printable biomaterials for most applications. In addition, the loss of skilled labor in producing medical devices such as prosthetics and other devices may affect developing economies. This review objectively explores the potential growth and impact of 3DP costs in the medical industry.
The Virtual Curation Laboratory at Virginia Commonwealth University created 3D representations of digital morphological models, termed “artifictions,” of several bone elements from two extinct animals, the passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius Linnaeus Columbidae) and the harelip sucker (Moxostoma lacerum Jordan and Brayton Catostomidae). Procuring recent comparative reference skeletons these species is extremely difficult. The creation of artifictions, 3D printed replicas of skeletal remains, aims to help researchers become familiar with the bones of harelip sucker and passenger pigeon to facilitate morphological identification of remains of these species within archaeological assemblages. Here, we discuss the two species, the techniques used to create digital topological models of individual skeletal elements, and the obstacles encountered regarding 3D printed artifictions in zooarchaeology.
Additive manufacturing (AM) is the process of joining materials to create layer-by-layer three-dimensional objects using a 3D printer from a digital model. The great advantage of Additive Manufacturing is to allow a freer design than traditional processes. The development of additive manufacturing processes has permitted to optimize the production of the customized product through the modeling of the geometry and the knowledge of the morphometric parameters of the body structures. 3D printing has revolutionized the field of Regenerative Medicine because, starting from computerized tomography (CT) images and using traditional materials such as plastic and metals, it can provide customized prostheses for each patient, which adapt perfectly to the needs of the subject and act as structures support. 3D printing allows you to print three-dimensional porous scaffolds with a precise shape and chemical composition suitable for medical and veterinary use. Some of these scaffolds are biodegradable and appear to be ideal for bone tissue engineering. In fact, they are able to simulate extracellular matrix properties that allow mechanical support, favoring mechanical interactions and providing a model for cellular attachment and in vivo stimulation of bone tissue formation.
Many applications for 3D printing have appeared in the field of veterinary medicine, including many opportunities to use 3D‐printed models in anatomical teaching. Here, we present background information on the basic types of 3D printers as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type. We discuss methods for obtaining 3D models which can range from downloading of models to primary collection of data from CT and MRI data sets or even generating models using 3D modelling software. We review the various types of software needed to both process 3D data as well as software needed to prepare the 3D models for printing. The size and complexity of the desired model will dictate the type(s) of printer(s) which can be used. Cost, print resolution desired and cleanup time for prints are also key factors to consider when choosing a 3D printer. Here, we presented four specific examples of how 3D prints can be used for teaching veterinary gross anatomy. Examples using fused deposition modelling, stereolithography and colourjet printing printers are given to show the wide range of anatomical models that can be made using the various 3D printing techniques.
Three-dimensional (3D) information plays an important part in medical and veterinary education. Appreciating complex 3D spatial relationships requires a strong foundational understanding of anatomy and mental 3D visualization skills. Novel learning resources have been introduced to anatomy training to achieve this. Objective evaluation of their comparative efficacies remains scarce in the literature. This study developed and evaluated the use of a physical model in demonstrating the complex spatial relationships of the equine foot. It was hypothesized that the newly developed physical model would be more effective for students to learn magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) anatomy of the foot than textbooks or computer-based 3D models. Third year veterinary medicine students were randomly assigned to one of three teaching aid groups (physical model; textbooks; 3D computer model). The comparative efficacies of the three teaching aids were assessed through students' abilities to identify anatomical structures on MR images. Overall mean MRI assessment scores were significantly higher in students utilizing the physical model (86.39%) compared with students using textbooks (62.61%) and the 3D computer model (63.68%) (P < 0.001), with no significant difference between the textbook and 3D computer model groups (P = 0.685). Student feedback was also more positive in the physical model group compared with both the textbook and 3D computer model groups. Our results suggest that physical models may hold a significant advantage over alternative learning resources in enhancing visuospatial and 3D understanding of complex anatomical architecture, and that 3D computer models have significant limitations with regards to 3D learning. Anat Sci Educ. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
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