Precision in Practice: How USC’s 3D Planning Lab Transforms Complex Care

Many of USC’s referred patients present with unusual anatomical challenges — often after multiple surgeries. Traditional imaging can limit what surgeons are able to discern in these cases. With Materialise Mimics, the CIMV team converts CT and MRI data into detailed, interactive, and patient-specific 3D models. 

In one case, a patient with a history of hip dysplasia and prior surgeries had anatomy so altered that it was challenging to interpret on 2D scans. After discovering an unusual femoral head-like structure with the 3D model, orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Nathanael Heckmann could plan a complex pelvic reconstruction with confidence before ever setting foot in the OR. 

At USC, surgical planning is a team effort. Radiologists, engineers, and surgeons gather to study the 3D model together — rotating, zooming, and examining every angle. Once the team aligns on the optimal approach, CIMV produces a physical 3D-printed model that becomes a tangible planning tool for the surgery itself. 

Through this process, they create a single, shared point of reference to improve communication, reduce uncertainty, and accelerate decision-making for even the most challenging cases.

Patient education is a cornerstone of CIMV’s mission. For many, standard imaging feels abstract and hard to understand. A life-sized, personalized 3D model of their condition changes that dynamic entirely. 

“For pediatric patients especially,” says Dr. Summer Decker, CIMV Co-Director. “Letting parents hold the model, see what approach the surgeons need to take — they breathe a sigh of relief.” 

This deeper understanding leads to more engaged patients, reduced preoperative anxiety, and stronger trust.

As an academic medical center, USC uses 3D models not just for surgeries today, but also for training tomorrow’s leaders. Residents and fellows study these models to hone their anatomical knowledge and surgical planning skills — an advantage that equips them to navigate the growing role of advanced visualization in modern medicine.

USC’s CIMV shows what’s possible when hospitals harness 3D technology to improve care, build patient trust, and foster collaboration. Their success underscores a key takeaway for leading healthcare networks: advanced 3D visualization isn’t just for rare cases — it’s a scalable solution for delivering better care to every patient who walks through the door.