The application of 3D printing in anatomy education

This thesis investigated the application of 3D printing in anatomy education and assessed attitudes of students towards 3D printing. The aims were accomplished in 3 stages. Namely assessing the accuracy and usefulness of 3D printed models, and assessment of student attitudes towards 3D image donation. The project focussed on 3D printing of human vertebrae. A mixed method approach was utilised, combining concepts and methods from biological anthropometry, medical education and engineering. Accuracy analysis showed minimal differences in the dimensional measurements between 3D printed and dry vertebrae. Formative assessment results also showed minimal differences in the students’ performance on 3D printed vertebrae compared to performance on high-quality plastic and dry vertebrae. Results of the survey of students’ attitudes toward 3D medical images donation and whole body donation suggest that the majority are more willing to allow capturing of 3Dimages of their body for 3D printing in anatomy education compared to whole body donation. This study strongly suggests that 3D printed bones, at the current level of technological development, could be applied effectively in anatomy education, as they seem to be very similar to the real bones in their appearance and anatomical detail. In addition, there is a positive attitude of tertiary level students towards the donation of body images for 3D printing in anatomy education.