Rapid Prototyping Journal

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a template-based framework for nasal prosthesis fabrication using a 3D areal scanner and a CT scanner.

Design/methodology/approach – Use of a self-designed 3D areal scanner enables acquisition of accurate data describing the patient's face. Patients with nasal defects have no organization for reference, but the template-based model construction method can ensure successful building of the outer surface of the nasal prosthesis. Since the areal scanner has some difficulties acquiring data for concave areas, preoperative CT data are used to provide concave information, enabling construction of the inner surface for the nasal prosthesis. The combined inner and outer surfaces are used to generate the completed nasal prosthesis.

Findings – The results showed that the nasal prosthesis fits the patient's appearance well. Clinical applications confirmed that this framework is attractive and has the potential desired nasal prosthesis in daily clinical practice.

Practical implications – The results of this study improve the fabrication accuracy of nasal prostheses. The construction and development technique employs a nasal digital library, 3D areal scanning data and CT scanning data. This technique facilitates fabrication of precise nasal prostheses while helping the patients predict the effect before the prosthesis is manufactured.

Originality/value – This template-based framework has strong potential for clinical applications because of its advantages over other methods in terms of accuracy, speed, safety, and cost.