Vestibular Ring Model featuring Semi-Circular Canals & Cochlea
This 3D printed model of the inner ear (Vestibular Ring Model) is designed for educating patients and students about how repositioning the head can move otoconia or canaliths which have entered one or more semi-circular canals. Moving these little "stones" in a desired direction is a part of the treatment for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
This version features a translucent resin model of the three semicircular canals and cochlea. Three different color metal rings were attached to identify the superior/anterior canal (silver ring), horizontal/lateral canal (copper ring) and posterior canal (gold ring). The rings are able to slide along each canal, much in the same way an internal otoconia or canalith would move within a fluid-filled semicircular canal.
Bilateral model pairs were printed in two sizes to provide large teaching model kit and a smaller traveling/personal model kit. On the smaller models, the metal rings are graduated in size with the smallest diameter being the silver ring and the largest diameter for the gold ring. This feature could assist visually impair patients in benefitting from instruction using the Vestibular Ring Model.
These 3D models were printed at the MIRS 3D Printing Lab (January 2018) at the request of Elizabeth Hile, PhD, PT, the Director of Cancer Rehabilitation Science Program for the Stephenson Cancer Center at OUHSC. Dr. Hile is a Board Certified Specialist in Neurologic PT and is a Norton & APTA-Certified Edema Specialist (CLT/CES). She serves as an Executive Board Member, Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience (OCNS). Dr. Hile is an Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Science in the College of Allied Health at OUHSC. Her email address is Elizabeth-Hile@ouhsc.edu.
