3D Printing in Forensic Radiology

Forensic radiology has been described as the use of imaging in both the antemortem and postmortem setting to detect and document various pathologies for medicolegal purposes. The application and integration of three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies to create accurate and realistic 3D anatomic models in forensic radiology is consistent with the historical development of the field and poses many advantages including the ability to sanitize gruesome human injuries, provide physical life size replication of injuries, preserve and reproduce human remains long after their disposal, and explain complex injury patterns that while clear to the expert radiologist remain confusing to the nonmedical professional. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the relatively nascent application of 3D printed anatomic models in forensic radiology and describe through illustrative examples the various applications, strengths, and limitations of this technology as applied to forensic radiology.