# Accuracy Verification of an Anatomical Model Manufactured Using Low-Cost Additive Production
## 1 Introduction  
The study of anatomy is an important part of medical education [1; 2; 3]. In the past, the visualization of the patient's anatomy was limited to using flat screens and radiographs [4]. Visual inspection and direct manipulation of handheld models are made possible using 3D printing [5]. Tactility is the element, which makes the experience more realistic for the surgeon [6]. [PERSON] et al. [7] mapped the publication trends and knowledge in 3D printing in orthopedics in PubMed and Scopus, where the number of publications after 2013 began to grow rapidly. 3D printed models allow interactive studying of the morphological features of anatomical objects, teaching, and learning of high-risk operations that are challenging to teach. Anatomical models have been used in different fields of medicine, including orthopedics, maxillofacial surgery, cardiology, and forensic medicine. By using these models, it is possible to see detailed anatomy in advance. Advantages of using 3D printed models in research also include the usage of patient-specific computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, accurate morphology, avoiding ethical problems of using cadaveric specimens, overcoming a limited number of cadaveric specimens, lack of odor and sanitary precautions, no requirement for a special condition for storage, and an acceptable price [8]. [PERSON] et al. [9] analysed the benefits of design and development of an orthopedic model using additive manufacturing based on CT and MRI scans. [PERSON] et al. [10] investigated the use of different technologies for the production of biomaterials, tissues, and organs. [PERSON] et al. [11], [PERSON] et al. [12], and others dealt with the design and 3D printing of hard and soft tissues [13; 14; 15]. [PERSON] et al. [16], [PERSON] et al. [17], and [PERSON] [18] discussed the possibility of using models for preoperative and surgical planning and teaching [2; 5; 19; 20]. They also offer a potentially new medium for improving doctor-patient communication and understanding. [PERSON] et al. [21], [PERSON] et al. [22], and others used a printed model for patient education [23; 24; 25]. Simulation-based surgery training with anatomical models reduces operating room time, risks of surgical interventions, and healthcare costs [26; 27]. [PERSON] et al. [28], [PERSON] et al. [19], and others analyzed the suitability of 3D printing for anatomical model production and surgical planning in terms of the accuracy of 3D printing [1; 15; 29]. Additive manufacturing (AM) is the process of joining materials to make objects from three-dimensional (3D) model data, layer by layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodologies, which have many advantages over traditional manufacturing processes [30; 31; 32]. Although AM has been popular since the 1980s, it has recently received much attention because advances in the technology have made it possible to produce almost anything. The application of 3D printing in medicine has grown exponentially in the last decade because of the decreased cost, computer engineering, and ever-growing applications [33]. 3D printers make it feasible to fabricate anatomical models from CT and magnetic resonance (MR) images [34]. The international standard format for these imaging files is Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) [35]. The ability to rapidly progress from DICOM images to 3D printing using low-cost printers and materials has opened the use of 3D printing for medical applications [18; 36]. The data segmentation is performed to isolate the anatomical area(s) of interest and to generate a \"surface mesh\" of that area (e.g., a single target vertebra). The standard tessellation language (STL) file is then transferred to a 3D printer for production [30]. A variety of techniques can be used to print these models, including fused filament fabrication (FFF), selective laser melting (SLM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and stereolithography (SLA).