The creation of new rapid prototyping techniques, low cost 3D printers as well as the creation of new software for these techniques have allowed the creation of 3D models of bones making their application possible in the field of teaching anatomy in the faculties of Health Sciences. The 3D model of cranium created in the present work, at full scale, present accurate reliefs and anatomical details that are easily identifiable by undergraduate students in their use for the study of human anatomy. In this article, the process of scanning the skull and the subsequent treatment of these images with specific software until the generation of 3D model using 3D printer has been reported.

No abstract

Most musculoskeletal injuries occur during the work routines in different areas, due to repetitive and sustained movements, they are often located in the shoulder. For workers in the building sector, the repetitive movements and displacements occur under load and unnatural postures of the shoulder joint. For this reason, this study aims to model in 3D the biological components which form the shoulder joint for the later finite element analysis. Three cases with different loads have been considered for this study. Due to a linear and isotropic joint approach it has been possible to evaluate the tensions in the main components of the shoulders: muscles, tendons and ligaments. The methodology used allowed obtaining an improved mesh of the shoulder joint to analyse real situations with finite element method analysis with applications in the field of sports medicine, work, etc. Furthermore, the simplification adopted for modelling the joint muscles, as 1D elements in the finite element model has made it possible to establish different positions of human joint without mesh again each of the studied positions. The results are consistent with the states of applied loads. In fact, the maximum stresses in bones are in the insertion areas of the ligaments. Due to the static positions of the joint under study, the muscles do not support high stresses. According to the stresses distribution, the maximum values are in the zones of tendons. From the result analysis, it is observed how the stresses distribution in the cartilage area maintains coherence with reality since the maximum stresses appear in the lower half of the cartilage. In this area in which the Humerus-scapula contact is greater, the compression tensions are greater.

No abstract

For certain musculoskeletal complex rupture injuries, the only treatment available is the use of immobilization splints. This type of treatment usually causes discomfort and certain setbacks in patients. In addition, other complications are usually generated at the vascular, muscular, or articular level. Currently, there is a really possible alternative that would solve these problems and even allows a faster and better recovery. This is possible thanks to the application of engineering on additive manufacturing techniques and the use of biocompatible materials available in the market. This study proposes the use of these materials and techniques, including sensor integration inside the splints. The main parameters considered to be studied are pressure, humidity, and temperature. These aspects are combined and analyzed to determine any kind of unexpected evolution of the treatment. This way, it will be possible to monitor some signals that would be studied to detect problems that are associated to the very initial stage of the treatment. The goal of this study is to generate a smart splint by using biomaterials and engineering techniques based on the advanced manufacturing and sensor system, for clinical purposes. The results show that the prototype of the smart splint allows to get data when it is placed over the arm of a patient. Two temperatures are read during the treatment: in contact with the skin and between skin and splint. The humidity variations due to sweat inside the splint are also read by a humidity sensor. A pressure sensor detects slight changes of pressure inside the splint. In addition, an infrared sensor has been included as a presence detector.