title: [The application of three-dimensional skull model in the treatment of craniofacial malformation].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Craniomaxillofacial Department, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing.
authors.forename: Xiao-jing
authors.initials: XJ
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Lai
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gui
authors.forename: Zhi-yong
authors.initials: ZY
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Xiang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Peng
authors.forename: Can
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: 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