Fig. 3

Portraying a patient-specific rapid prototyping (RP) model, showcasing the preoperative state on the left and the postoperative state on the right. These models are created through the utilization of RP technology, highlighting the practical applications of 3D printing in surgical preparations. The preoperative state, depicted on the left side of the figure, represents the initial condition of the patient’s anatomy. Through the RP model, surgeons can accurately visualize the patient’s anatomy prior to the surgical procedure. On the right side of the figure, the postoperative state is illustrated. The RP model aids in depicting the desired outcome of the surgical intervention. Surgeons can use the model to simulate the surgical procedure and assess the feasibility of their proposed surgical plan. By comparing the preoperative and postoperative states, surgeons can evaluate the effectiveness of their surgical technique and make any necessary adjustments prior to the actual surgery. This enables them to optimize surgical outcomes and minimize potential complications