Stereolithography - A potential new tool in forensic medicine

Stereolithography is a computer-mediated method that can be used to quickly create anatomically correct three-dimensional epoxy and acrylic resin mode ls from various types of medical data. Multiple imaging modalities can be e xploited, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The technology was first developed and used in 1986 to overcome limitations in previous computer-aided manufacturing/milling techniques. Stereolithograph y is presently used to accurately reproduce both the external and internal anatomy of body structures. Current medical uses of stereolithography inclu de preoperative planning of orthopedic and maxillofacial surgeries, the fab rication of custom prosthetic devices; and the assessment of the degree of bony and soft-tissue injury caused by trauma. We propose that there is a us eful, as yet untapped, potential for this technology in forensic medicine.