Abstrait

Construction of human knee bone joint model using FDM based 3D Printer from CT scan images.

Marlon Jones Louis, R. Malayalamurthi

The purpose of this paper is to fabricate a model of human knee joint, bone whose raw image data’s were obtained from a computerized tomography machine using Stratasys “U Print SE Plus” 3D printer based on fused deposition modeling technique and validate the design by comparing the reproduced bone models with the original human knee joint bones and which will lead to detailed pre surgical studies and initiating step in implantation techniques. An integrated approach of imaging technology, segmentation using MIMICS software package and rapid prototyping technology was adopted in order to construct the human knee joint bones. Models of all the human knee joint bones- the femur, tibia, fibula and patella were constructed. The Patella bone in specific was constructed exactly as the same size of the original patella bone and was qualitatively validated by an expert anatomist and found to be satisfactory in design and the surface finish which may possibly be affected by mesh generation during a constructing phase in MIMICS software. As far as limitations are concerned, the femur, tibia and fibula bones exceeded the maximum dimensions of the “U Print SE Plus” 3D printer (203 x 203 x 152 mm). Followed by another limitation is that ABS plus – P430 and P400 thermoplastic are the only compatible material and other materials such as ABS-M30, PC-ABS, PC, Nylon 12 are not compatible with the machine. This paper deliberates a 3D visualization of the human knee bone model, particularly the patella which is constructed in its original size and was found to be validated. The present study enhances the versatility of fabricating bone models by RP for implantation as well for pre complex surgical studies.