"Black Bone" MRI: a novel imaging technique for 3D printing.

"Black Bone" MRI: a novel imaging technique for 3D printing.

Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2017 Jan 27;:20160407

Authors: Eley KA, Watt-Smith SR, Golding SJ

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Three-dimensionally printed anatomical models are rapidly becoming an integral part of pre-operative planning of complex surgical cases. We have previously reported the "Black Bone" MRI technique as a non-ionising alternative to CT. Segmentation of bone becomes possible by minimising soft tissue contrast to enhance the bone-soft tissue boundary. The objectives of this study were to ascertain the potential of utilising this technique to produce 3D printed models.
METHODS: "Black Bone" MRI acquired from adult volunteers and infants with craniosynostosis were 3D rendered and 3D printed. A custom phantom provided a surrogate marker of accuracy permitting comparison between direct measurements, and 3D printed models created by segmentating both CT and "Black Bone" MRI datasets using two different software packages.
RESULTS: "Black Bone" MRI was successfully utilised to produce 3D models of the craniofacial skeleton in both adults and an infant. Measurements of the cube phantom and 3D printed models demonstrated sub-millimetre discrepancy.
CONCLUSIONS: In this novel preliminary study exploring the potential of 3D printing from "Black Bone" MRI data, the feasibility of producing anatomical 3D models has been demonstrated, thus offering a potential non-ionising alterative to CT for the craniofacial skeleton.

PMID: 28128636 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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