Sheet plastination of limb specimens – a boon to study cross sectional anatomy

Introduction: In the present era of developing three dimensional multi-planar imaging techniques used for medical examination and diagnosis, there is a pressing need for an in-depth knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy. The technique of Sheet Plastination invented by Dr Gunther Von Hagens which yields solid transparent sections using synthetic resins is a boon to medical fraternity for learning sectional anatomy. Observation: In JSS Medical College, Mysore, Karnataka, a low cost technique of sheet Plastination was explored, and is being successfully practiced. In this study, Sheet Plastination of cross-sections from upper limb, lower limb, elbow joint and knee joint were prepared and were correlated with corresponding magnetic resonance images and found good overall correlation between plastinated slice & MRI images Conclusion: The technique of Plastination has promising future in all fields of training, research and health education. Low cost, non toxic, odorless and portable plastinated specimens helps in teaching and learning anatomy and is an useful tool for verifying MRI and CT.