3D Scanning in the Medical Field

3D scanning can benefit our health

Welcome to the era of 3D scanning explosion. 3D scanning seems to be popping up here and there, and not without reason. 3D laser scanning technology is cutting cost, and it is providing faster and better ways to get things done. In the past, the devices used for measurement were crude and not as accurate as 3D laser scanning devices. Such devices narrow down the margin for error. One of those areas where they are making waves is in the medical industry.

1. 3D scanning for students

As far as research and creation of new technologies go, 3D scanning has a whole lot to offer, and that is exactly what we want to hear, because when it comes to health, that is a big deal. 3D scanning can be a huge benefit to research. Scanning body parts for learning the anatomy of the human body without actually handling a cadaver is one benefit. It is a huge advantage to medical students who need experience performing surgeries and operations. The ability to always practice on a live person is few. A perfect 3D scanned and printed model gives students a lot more opportunities, and because of this, they will be better prepared to serve patients.

2. 3D scanning for custom prosthetics

3D scanning also has an advantage for handicapped people. The potential it has for producing prosthetics immense. A prosthetic that fits over a knee joint has to be fit to size. For example, if a person gets in a car wreck and has to have his knee amputated, through 3D laser scanning, a prosthetic could be designed to fit to his exact size. There is no one-size-fits-all. The accuracy of the fit can drastically be improved if there is a 3D scan of the limb. This can also be useful for custom made wheel chairs, walkers, and many other devices used by people with illnesses or physical disabilities.

3. 3D scanning to create models of patients’ organs

Another major use for 3D scanning in the medical field is for detecting inner problems that are not visible to the naked eye. Such problems currently required MRIs, X-rays, and CT scans. Currently, researches are working hard to find ways to utilize 3D scanning to deal with these issues. If found, it would probably be done at lower cost and with more precise understanding of the problem. Imagine going in to the doctor’s office to get your chest examined. Instead of doing an X-Ray, they instead put you up to a 3D scanning device and instantly give you a 3D image of your lungs instead of a black and white X-Ray. Instead of just examining some mysterious dot on the X-Ray, the doctor can rotate the 3D image to get a much better idea of any problems that exist.