title: Reverse engineering techniques for cranioplasty: a case study.
abstract: This paper presents rapid prototyping and reverse engineering techniques applied to create an implant for the surgical reconstruction of a large cranial defect. A series of computed tomography (CT) images was obtained and purpose built software was used to extract the cranial geometry in a point cloud. The point cloud produced was used for: (a) the creation of a stereolithographic (STL) physical model for direct assessment of the cranial defect; and (b) the creation of a 3D mould model for the fabrication of the patient-specific implant.
authors.affiliation: Design & Manufacturing Laboratory, Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Crete, Romanou 3, 73133 Chania, Greece. marvel@chania.teicrete.gr
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Maravelakis
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: David
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Antoniadis
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Manios
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bilalis
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Papaharilaou
mesh_terms: D018786:Bone Substitutes; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008954:Models, Biological; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D018786:Bone Substitutes