Orthopedic Model Evaluation: 3D Printed Bone Models
Review how PolyJet 3D printed bone models are evaluated through screw pull-out and torque testing for orthopedic training and device-development contexts.
Key Takeaways
- The paper discusses 3D printed orthopedic bone models as an alternative or supplement to cadaver and porcine models for surgical training, planning, and medical device work.
- It describes the J5 Digital Anatomy Printer and BoneMatrix material as a route for creating models that mimic cortical and cancellous bone characteristics.
- The evaluation included tensile testing in accordance with ASTM D638 and screw driving torque and pull-out testing on cortical and trabecular bone samples.
Executive Summary
This PolyJet whitepaper looks at realistic 3D printed orthopedic bone models for hospitals, academic institutions, and medical device companies. It focuses on whether anatomical models produced with Digital Anatomy technology can offer a reliable resource for training, surgical preparation, patient communication, and product development.
The paper describes how the J5 Digital Anatomy Printer and BoneMatrix material are used to reproduce bone-like appearance, feel, and mechanical behavior across cortical and cancellous structures. It also references comparative testing against human cadaver bone samples, including tensile testing and screw pull-out or driving-torque evaluations.
Readers should expect a concise evaluation of realistic orthopedic model production rather than a broad additive manufacturing primer. The content is most relevant to clinical educators, surgical teams, and medical device groups assessing physical models as a complement to cadaveric or animal-lab workflows.