The Superiority of 3D Printed Models and Digitized Radiographs of Normal and Osteoarthritic Stifle Joints over Cadaveric joints as Alternative Educational Provisions in Canine Orthopedics

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has proven its success in several fields, particularly in medical and educational fields. Any technique that aids in teaching anatomy is beneficial to developing a learning strategy, and creating a fundamental link to the clinical and surgical procedures. Our study aimed to create 3D models of normal and osteoarthritic canine stifles simulating the corresponding real (cadaveric) joints, as an alternative teaching strategy. The study also aimed to demonstrate the superlative between stifle radiographs, 3D-printed stifle models, and cadaveric stifle specimens in the educational procedure. Three cadaveric adult canine pelvic limbs were utilized to achieve the aims of the present study. The created 3D-printed models of normal and osteoarthritic stifles were nearly similar to the associated real joints in terms of sizes and anatomical details. The normal and diseased 3D models demonstrated similar gross anatomical structures and signs of osteoarthritis (OA), resembling the real healthy and OA stifle joints. Therefore, the digital models produced in the current study are considered virtual 3D representations of the actual stifles that are expected to be utilized as an alternative educational provision in canine orthopedics without using live animals or cadavers. The ability of stifle radiography to reveal detailed anatomical structures and OA changes that the 3D-printed models cannot (such as subchondral bone changes), makes the authors strongly suggest using both procedures. The provided 3D stifle models and radiographs are valuable for teaching comparative and applied anatomy, as well as for providing anatomical landmarks for canine stifle surgical procedures. Keywords: Meat quality, Cerium oxide NPs, Zinc oxide NPs, Epididymal sperms, Ram.