title: Visualization of Medpor implants using surface rendering.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Medpor surgical implant is one of the easiest implants in clinical practice, especially in craniomaxillofacial surgery. It is often used as a bone substitute material for the repair of skull defects and facial deformities. The Medpor implant has several advantages but its use is limited because it is radiolucent in both direct radiography and conventional computed tomography, causing serious problems with visualization.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, a new technique for visualizing Medpor implants was evaluated in 10 patients who had undergone facial reconstruction using the material. Continuous volume scans were made using a 16-channel tomographic scanner and 3D reconstruction software was used to create surface renderings. The threshold values for surface renderings of the implant ranged from -70 HU to -20 HU, with bone as the default.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The shape of the implants and the spatial relationship between bone and implant could both be displayed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surface rendering can allow successful visualization of Medpor implants in the body.
authors: Department of Craniofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100144, China.
authors: Meng
authors: M
authors: Wang
authors: Lai
authors: L
authors: Gui
authors: Xiao-Jing
authors: XJ
authors: Liu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D011095:Polyethylenes; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: C084562:Medpor; D011095:Polyethylenes