Fabrication of customised maxillo‐facial prosthesis using computer‐aided design and rapid prototyping techniques

Abstract

Purpose

This paper describes computer‐aided design (CAD) and rapid prototyping (RP) systems for the fabrication of maxillofacial implant.

Design/methodology/approach

Design methods for medical RP of custom‐fabricated are presented in this paper. Helical computed tomography (CT) data were used to create a three‐dimensional model of the patient skull. Based on these data, the individual shape of the implant was designed in CAD environment and fabricate by RP process. One patient with a large mandible defect underwent reconstruction with individual prefabricated implant resulting from initial surgical failure with hand contoured reconstruction plate.

Findings

Results shows that the custom made implant fit well the defect. Overall, excellent mandible symmetry and stability were achieved with the custom made implants. The patient was able to eat. There was no saliva drooling after the reconstruction. The operating time was reduced.

Research limitations/implications

The methods described above suffer from the expensive cost of RP technique.

Practical implications

This method allows accurate fabrication of the implant. The advantages of using this technique are that the physical model of the implant is fitted on the skull model so that the surgeon can plan and rehearse the surgery in advance and a less invasive surgical procedure and less time‐consuming reconstructive and an adequate esthetic can result.

Originality/value

The method improves the reconstructive surgery and reduces the risk of a second intervention, and the psychological stress of the patient will be eliminated.

Citation

Singare, S., Yaxiong, L., Dichen, L., Bingheng, L., Sanhu, H. and Gang, L. (2006), "Fabrication of customised maxillo‐facial prosthesis using computer‐aided design and rapid prototyping techniques", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 12 No. 4, pp. 206-213. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552540610682714