Various 3D printed materials mimic bone ultrasonographically: 3D printed models of the equine cervical articular process joints as a simulator for ultrasound guided intra-articular injections.
Authors: Beaulieu Alexandra, Linden Alex Zur, Phillips John, Arroyo Luis G, Koenig Judith, Monteith Gabrielle
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary Ultrasound-guided intra-articular injections are a cornerstone of equine lameness management, yet perfecting needle placement technique requires adequate training to avoid complications and ensure therapeutic efficacy. Researchers from the University of Guelph created three-dimensionally printed models of equine cervical articular process joints and assessed whether their ultrasonographic appearance matched that of dissected equine cervical spines, which served as the anatomical gold standard. Multiple 3D-printed materials demonstrated sufficient acoustic properties to replicate joint anatomy on ultrasound, making them viable training tools for developing injection skills without requiring cadaveric specimens. For practitioners seeking to refine ultrasound-guided injection techniques—whether farriers working with veterinarians, physiotherapists managing joint pathology, or veterinarians expanding their interventional capabilities—these printed models offer an accessible, repeatable, and ethically sound alternative to cadaveric practice. The ability to standardise training conditions across multiple models whilst maintaining anatomical fidelity could substantially improve technical consistency and confidence before performing injections in clinical cases.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Use 3D printed cervical joint models for hands-on ultrasound-guided injection training instead of requiring access to cadaveric specimens—reduces cost and improves training accessibility
- •These simulators allow veterinarians to practice precise needle placement and minimize injection complications before performing procedures on live horses
- •Training on validated 3D models can improve technical proficiency in intra-articular glucocorticoid injections used routinely in racehorses with joint pain
Key Findings
- •3D printed models of equine cervical articular process joints demonstrate ultrasonographic characteristics that closely mimic dissected equine cervical spine specimens
- •3D printed materials can serve as viable simulators for ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection training without requiring cadaveric tissue
- •Multiple 3D printed material options were successfully validated as effective training models for needle placement accuracy