Reconstruction and Printing Techniques for the Development of an Anatomical Simulator of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Study
摘要
A herniated disc is among the most prevalent and debilitating spinal conditions, marked by the displacement of the nucleus pulposus through the annulus fibrosus, leading to compression of adjacent nerve structures. This painful and complex pathology demands a thorough understanding of spinal anatomy and biomechanics for effective management. However, its teaching is often limited to theoretical materials, lacking realism and hands-on learning opportunities. It is within this context that our work was developed, aiming to enhance medical education through the creation of a realistic, accessible, and user-friendly anatomical simulator of a herniated disc. Conducted at the Abulcasis International University of Health Sciences, within its Medical Simulation Center, our study harnesses advanced technologies in 3D reconstruction, modeling, and printing to convert anatomical complexity into a tangible educational tool. By leveraging real patient medical imaging data in DICOM format, we achieved anatomically accurate modeling. The resulting simulator offers a concrete and intuitive visualization of a herniated disc. This innovation not only strengthens the understanding of this condition but also provides an interactive platform for practical learning. Ultimately, this simulator marks a significant advancement in biomedical training enabling direct manipulation, reinforcing knowledge retention, and better preparing students for clinical practice in the field of spinal disorders.