A surgeon recently demonstrated using specialized “bone-simulating” filament to create realistic 3D-printed anatomical models for surgical practice, potentially revolutionizing pre-operative preparation.
A surgeon shares experience using specialized 3D printing material that mimics human bone properties for pre-surgical practice and training.
The demonstration, shared on Reddit by user u/PectusSurgeon, shows a test rib printed using SimuBone Bone Modeling Filament from 3DXTech. According to the surgeon’s feedback, the material closely mimics the mechanical properties of actual bone. “At 75% infill it’s pretty rigid but still has some flex to it,” they noted, addressing concerns about the material’s behavior during surgical procedures.
The surgeon is also exploring the use of TPU material to simulate cartilage, though challenges remain in attaching it to the PLA bone structure to achieve realistic behavior. A key consideration was the material’s heat resistance during surgical simulation. “My main concern was whether it would melt from the friction with the saw,” the surgeon explained.
While SimuBone filament comes at a premium price point of $98 for a 750g roll, the surgical applications could justify the cost. For teaching purposes, the surgeon suggests wood PLA as a more economical alternative, costing roughly one-third of the specialized filament while maintaining similar handling characteristics.
This development could significantly impact medical training and surgical preparation, particularly for complex cases where surgeons could practice on patient-specific models created from medical imaging data. When questioned about anatomical accuracy, the surgeon acknowledged that while real bone contains blood and marrow, the printed version provides sufficient mechanical similarity for simulation purposes.
