Enhanced Visualisation of Normal Anatomy with Potential Use of Augmented Reality Superimposed on Three-Dimensional Printed Models
Anatomical knowledge underpins the practice of many healthcare professions. While cadaveric specimens are generally used to demonstrate realistic anatomy, high cost, ethical considerations and limited accessibility can often impede their suitability for use as teaching tools. This study aimed to dev...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Journal Article |
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MDPI AG
2022
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/89430 |
| _version_ | 1848765217967702016 |
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| author | Geerlings-Batt, Jade Tillett, Carley Gupta, A. Sun, Zhonghua |
| author_facet | Geerlings-Batt, Jade Tillett, Carley Gupta, A. Sun, Zhonghua |
| author_sort | Geerlings-Batt, Jade |
| building | Curtin Institutional Repository |
| collection | Online Access |
| description | Anatomical knowledge underpins the practice of many healthcare professions. While cadaveric specimens are generally used to demonstrate realistic anatomy, high cost, ethical considerations and limited accessibility can often impede their suitability for use as teaching tools. This study aimed to develop an alternative to traditional teaching methods; a novel teaching tool using augmented reality (AR) and three-dimensional (3D) printed models to accurately demonstrate normal ankle and foot anatomy. An open-source software (3D Slicer) was used to segment a high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dataset of a healthy volunteer ankle and produce virtual bone and musculature objects. Bone and musculature were segmented using seed-planting and interpolation functions, respectively. Virtual models were imported into Unity 3D, which was used to develop user interface and achieve interactability prior to export to the Microsoft HoloLens 2. Three life-size models of bony anatomy were printed in yellow polylactic acid and thermoplastic polyurethane, with another model printed in white Visijet SL Flex with a supporting base attached to its plantar aspect. Interactive user interface with functional toggle switches was developed. Object recognition did not function as intended, with adequate tracking and AR superimposition not achieved. The models accurately demonstrate bony foot and ankle anatomy in relation to the associated musculature. Although segmentation outcomes were sufficient, the process was highly time consuming, with effective object recognition tools relatively inaccessible. This may limit the reproducibility of augmented reality learning tools on a larger scale. Research is required to determine the extent to which this tool accurately demonstrates anatomy and ascertain whether use of this tool improves learning outcomes and is effective for teaching anatomy. |
| first_indexed | 2025-11-14T11:31:45Z |
| format | Journal Article |
| id | curtin-20.500.11937-89430 |
| institution | Curtin University Malaysia |
| institution_category | Local University |
| last_indexed | 2025-11-14T11:31:45Z |
| publishDate | 2022 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| recordtype | eprints |
| repository_type | Digital Repository |
| spelling | curtin-20.500.11937-894302022-11-04T06:15:55Z Enhanced Visualisation of Normal Anatomy with Potential Use of Augmented Reality Superimposed on Three-Dimensional Printed Models Geerlings-Batt, Jade Tillett, Carley Gupta, A. Sun, Zhonghua 1103 - Clinical Sciences 3202 - Clinical sciences Anatomical knowledge underpins the practice of many healthcare professions. While cadaveric specimens are generally used to demonstrate realistic anatomy, high cost, ethical considerations and limited accessibility can often impede their suitability for use as teaching tools. This study aimed to develop an alternative to traditional teaching methods; a novel teaching tool using augmented reality (AR) and three-dimensional (3D) printed models to accurately demonstrate normal ankle and foot anatomy. An open-source software (3D Slicer) was used to segment a high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dataset of a healthy volunteer ankle and produce virtual bone and musculature objects. Bone and musculature were segmented using seed-planting and interpolation functions, respectively. Virtual models were imported into Unity 3D, which was used to develop user interface and achieve interactability prior to export to the Microsoft HoloLens 2. Three life-size models of bony anatomy were printed in yellow polylactic acid and thermoplastic polyurethane, with another model printed in white Visijet SL Flex with a supporting base attached to its plantar aspect. Interactive user interface with functional toggle switches was developed. Object recognition did not function as intended, with adequate tracking and AR superimposition not achieved. The models accurately demonstrate bony foot and ankle anatomy in relation to the associated musculature. Although segmentation outcomes were sufficient, the process was highly time consuming, with effective object recognition tools relatively inaccessible. This may limit the reproducibility of augmented reality learning tools on a larger scale. Research is required to determine the extent to which this tool accurately demonstrates anatomy and ascertain whether use of this tool improves learning outcomes and is effective for teaching anatomy. 2022 Journal Article http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/89430 10.3390/mi13101701 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ MDPI AG fulltext |
| spellingShingle | 1103 - Clinical Sciences 3202 - Clinical sciences Geerlings-Batt, Jade Tillett, Carley Gupta, A. Sun, Zhonghua Enhanced Visualisation of Normal Anatomy with Potential Use of Augmented Reality Superimposed on Three-Dimensional Printed Models |
| title | Enhanced Visualisation of Normal Anatomy with Potential Use of Augmented Reality Superimposed on Three-Dimensional Printed Models |
| title_full | Enhanced Visualisation of Normal Anatomy with Potential Use of Augmented Reality Superimposed on Three-Dimensional Printed Models |
| title_fullStr | Enhanced Visualisation of Normal Anatomy with Potential Use of Augmented Reality Superimposed on Three-Dimensional Printed Models |
| title_full_unstemmed | Enhanced Visualisation of Normal Anatomy with Potential Use of Augmented Reality Superimposed on Three-Dimensional Printed Models |
| title_short | Enhanced Visualisation of Normal Anatomy with Potential Use of Augmented Reality Superimposed on Three-Dimensional Printed Models |
| title_sort | enhanced visualisation of normal anatomy with potential use of augmented reality superimposed on three-dimensional printed models |
| topic | 1103 - Clinical Sciences 3202 - Clinical sciences |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/89430 |