Applications of RP-based biomedical simulation in clinical orthopedics and its medical practical education

Computer-assisted modern biomedical measures including digital signal processing, imaging, two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) simulation and navigation have played more and more essential parts in advanced orthopaedic surgical interventions. The aim of this study is to explore the roles of rapid prototyping(RP)-based 3D simulation in clinical orthopaedics and its professional medical education. Patients with complex fractures and severe deformities in skeleton were enrolled in this study. An advanced computer-aided design (CAD) based RP technique were used to fabricate real size 3D physical models of complex cases including highly difficult fractures and severe bone and joint deformities. Outcomes of both surgical intervention for patients and clinical education for orthopaedic residents and junior doctors were studied. As a result, much better understanding and accurately preoperative planning for orthopeadic complex cases were achieved and clinical practical skills of residents and junior surgeons were improved. Therefore, our study suggests that appropriate application of RP-based biomodels in complex cases have definitely beneficial impacts on the accuracy of surgery and positively influence the clinical teaching outcome in orthopaedics.