title: Missing facial parts computed by a morphable model and transferred directly to a polyamide laser-sintered prosthesis: an innovation study.
abstract: Mirroring of missing facial parts and rapid prototyping of templates have become widely used in the manufacture of prostheses. However, mirroring is not applicable for central facial defects, and the manufacture of a template still requires labour-intensive transformation into the final facial prosthesis. We have explored innovative techniques to meet these remaining challenges. We used a morphable model of a face for the reconstruction of missing facial parts that did not have mirror images, and skin-coloured polyamide laser sintering for direct manufacture of the prosthesis. From the knowledge gleaned from a data set of 200 coloured, three-dimensional scans, we generated a missing nose that was statistically compatible with the remaining parts of the patient's face. The planned prosthesis was manufactured directly from biocompatible skin-coloured polyamide powder by selective laser sintering, and the prosthesis planning system produced a normal-looking reconstruction. The polyamide will need adjustable colouring, and we must be able to combine it with a self-curing resin to fulfil the requirements of realistic permanent use.
authors: Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. anmueller@uhbs.ch
authors: A A
authors: AA
authors: Mueller
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Paysan
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Schumacher
authors: H-F
authors: HF
authors: Zeilhofer
authors: B-I
authors: BI
authors: Berg-Boerner
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Maurer
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Vetter
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Schkommodau
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Juergens
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Schwenzer-Zimmerer
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D054020:Lasers, Gas; D008297:Male; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D015233:Models, Statistical; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D009666:Nose; D009669:Nose Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009757:Nylons; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D017797:Prosthesis Coloring; D011474:Prosthesis Design
chemical_list: D009757:Nylons