Potential applications for additive manufacturing technology in forensic pathology practice

Additive manufacturing (i.e. 3D printing) processes have been in development since the 1980s. Medical practitioners were among the first to appreciate the value of this technology, but early industrial devices were prohibitively large and expensive, limiting access to all but a few. More recently, smaller scale “desktop” printers have become available, bringing this capability within the realistic reach of many.

Computed tomography (x-ray) scanning has increasingly become routine in forensic pathological investigations in Leicester since its implementation in 2002. The obtained scan data has previously been used to produce graphical 3D representations of pathological evidence to assist jury comprehension in court. With the advent of smaller scale 3D printing, the possibility of further enhancing this court evidence with 3D printed anatomical models was considered a viable option.

This thesis explains the overall concept and specific processes of 3D printing, and explores potential applications for this technology in the context of forensic pathology practice. Following acquisition of suitable hardware and software, the initial testing, calibration and accuracy checks are detailed. Strategies developed to overcome hurdles encountered during the early stages are also described. After completion of the technical evaluation phase, several practical applications were trialled and the results are illustrated. Acceptance of such 3D printed models for use within court is then demonstrated using a number of real case examples.

By confirming that the recently-available, “desktop” 3D printing devices can be acquired and operated within the modest setting of a working forensic pathology department, this project contributes to the knowledge in this small but emerging field of practice. In addition, establishment of the provision of this technology represents a genuine improvement to the forensic pathology service offered within the East Midlands region