Application of computer-based RP biomodelling in clinical orthopaedic surgery education

Three-dimensional (3D) biomodels are essential for clinical orthopaedics. In this study, in order to improve the outcomes of orthopaedic surgical intervention and its clinical medical education, an advanced computer-based rapid prototyping (RP) biomodelling technique was used to fabricate 3D real size physical models of complex cases including highly difficult fractures and severe bone and joint deformities. As a result, the RP-produced vivid models made great contributions to achievement of much better understanding and preoperative planning for complex orthopaedic cases. On the other hand, outcomes of clinical medical education for orthopaedic residents and junior doctors were improved.