[The application of three-dimensional skull model in the treatment of craniofacial malformation].
OBJECTIVE
This study was to construct a geometric skull model with 3-dimension scanning and rapid-prototyping (RP) technology and also to evaluate the significance and further application of surgery simulation in the treatment of complex craniomaxillofacial malformation.


METHODS
Twelve patients with complex craniomaxillofacial malformation were involved. The data obtained with CT scanning were transferred to a personal computer for surface rendering 3-dimension reconstruction. A geometric model was manufactured by selective laser sintering using rapid-prototyping device. Surgery simulation was performed both on the model and in the computer. Accordingly, a custom implant and an implant template, when needed, were constructed with the computer-aided design (CAD) and prefabricated with computer-aided manufacture (CAM) process.


RESULTS
Surgery simulation made the operation shorter, the complications lower and the outcome better.


CONCLUSIONS
Skull model provides great convenience in the treatment of cranio-maxillofacial malformation.
Liu
Xiao-jing
XJ
Craniomaxillofacial Department, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing.
Gui
Lai
L
Zhang
Zhi-yong
ZY
Peng
Xiang
X
Liu
Can
C
D000328:Adult; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D012886:Skull / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed