“Black Bone” MRI: a novel imaging technique for 3D printing

TLDR

Three‑dimensional printed anatomical models are increasingly used for pre‑operative planning, and the previously reported “Black Bone” MRI offers a non‑ionizing alternative to CT for visualizing bone. This study aimed to evaluate whether “Black Bone” MRI can be used to generate accurate 3‑D printed craniofacial models. The authors acquired “Black Bone” MRI scans from adult volunteers and infants with craniosynostosis, rendered the data into 3‑D volumes, printed the models, and used a custom phantom to compare measurements against CT‑derived prints across two software packages. The technique produced anatomically accurate craniofacial models with sub‑millimetre discrepancies, demonstrating feasibility as a non‑ionizing alternative to CT for 3‑D printing.

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-ionizing alternative to CT. Segmentation of bone becomes possible by minimizing soft tissue contrast to enhance the bone–soft tissue boundary. The objectives of this study were to ascertain the potential of utilizing this technique to produce three-dimensional (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 segmenting both CT and "Black Bone" MRI data sets using two different software packages. Results: "Black Bone" MRI was successfully utilized to produce 3D models of the craniofacial skeleton in both adults and an infant. Measurements of the cube phantom and 3D printed models demonstrated submillimetre 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-ionizing alterative to CT for the craniofacial skeleton.