3D models enhance surgical strategies

Medical imaging has improved by leaps and bounds, now allowing images to do more than appear on a flat screen.

Standard models of hearts represent the structure, but now 3D computer models allow for detailed copies from real patients.

To create the 3D copies, CT or MRI imaging is translated into digital data to create 3D computer models.

WRAL’s Dr. Allen Mask said more orthopedic surgeons are using 3D printed knee replacement parts tailored to the patient’s knee and shape, rather than using standard knee replacement parts.

“Virtually any body part that can be scanned can be reduced to digital information and fed to a printer which builds it layer by layer,” Mask said.

The new technology is able to get the most of non-invasive imaging so doctors can improve results once they make incisions to repair problems.