[Fabrication of 3-dimensional skull model with rapid prototyping technique and its primary application in repairing one case of cranio-maxillo-facial trauma].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the methods of establishing 3-dimensional skull model using electron beam CT (EBCT) data rapid prototyping technique, and to discuss its application in repairing cranio-maxillo-facial trauma.


METHODS
The data were obtained by EBCT continuous volumetric scanning with 1.0 mm slice at thickness. The data were transferred to work-station for 3-dimensional surface reconstruction by computer-aided design software and the images were saved as STL file. The data can be used to control a laser rapid-prototyping device (AFS-320QZ) to construct geometric model. The material for the model construction is a kind of laser-sensitive resin power, which will become a mass when scanned by laser beam. The design and simulation of operation can be done on the model. The image data were transferred to the device slice by slice. Thus a geometric model is constructed according to the image data by repeating this process. Preoperative analysis, surgery simulation and implant of bone defect could be done on this computer-aided manufactured 3D model. One case of cranio-maxillo-facial bone defect resulting from trauma was reconstructed with this method. The EBCT scanning showed that the defect area was 4 cm x 6 cm. The nose was flat and deviated to left.


RESULTS
The 3-dimensional skull was reconstructed with EBCT data and rapid prototyping technique. The model can display the structure of 3-dimensional anatomy and their relationship. The prefabricated implant by 3-dimensional model was well-matched with defect. The deformities of flat and deviated nose were corrected. The clinical result was satisfactory after a follow-up of 17 months.


CONCLUSIONS
The 3-dimensional model of skull can replicate the prototype of disease and play an important role in the diagnosis and simulation of operation for repairing cranio-maxillo-facial trauma.
Xia
Delin
D
Department of Craniomaxliofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100041, PR China.
Gui
Lai
L
Zhang
Zhiyong
Z
Lu
Changsheng
C
Niu
Feng
F
Jin
Ji
J
Liu
Xiaoqing
X
D000328:Adult; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods*; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D018786:Bone Substitutes