Printing pathology: A case study in presenting pathological human skeletal remains for education and display

Abstract

This article describes methods for producing 3D printed models of pathological conditions observed in archaeological and historical human skeletal remains. The intent is to produce models that can effectively substitute for fragile human skeletal remains or remains not freely available because of ethical or political considerations. The methods produce models that vary in their degrees of accuracy, from simple replicas of gross morphology to those that show the same characteristics as the original under, for example, X-radiogra-phy. In one instance the models—unlike the original computed tomography (CT) scans—proved invaluable in confirming a diagnosis. Brief details of techniques are provided, along with results of qualitative tests on model robusticity. The printed models are more robust than the originals allowing for their use in teaching and exhibition settings. Proposals for further work aimed at improving the printing process and the accuracy of the models are also provided.