title: Salt as a new colored solid model for simulation surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Simulated craniomaxillofacial surgery is critical for planning the procedure, shortening operative time, and practicing the procedure. However, typical models are expensive, given their solid materials, and the surgical sensations do not accurately reflect the procedure performed using human bone. To solve these problems, a new solid salt model has been developed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Stereolithography data was generated using computed tomography data, and a salt model was created using a 3D inkjet printer. By extracting specific data for elements such as the teeth and mandibular canal, these elements were highlighted in the solid model using different colored material. Also, we compared the maximum load and plastic deformation of the salt model, a stereolithographic resin model, and a pig limb.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The salt model had similar tenacity to bone, and the risk of damage to the teeth and inferior alveolar nerve was easily confirmed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The material cost of the salt model is extremely low, and the salt model may provide a more accurate sensation of cutting human bone. Thus, this model is useful for both simulated operation and practice for inexperienced surgeons.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Aichi †Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Takayuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Okumoto
authors.forename: Yoshiaki
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sakamoto
authors.forename: Suguru
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kondo
authors.forename: Hisao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ogata
authors.forename: Kazuo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kishi
authors.forename: Yohko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yoshimura
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D063175:Mandibular Reconstruction / Q000379:methods*; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D013552:Swine; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed