3-Dimensional Model Simulation Craniomaxillofacial Surgery using Rapid Prototyping Technique

In plastic and reconstructive craniomaxillofacial surgery, careful preoperative planning is essential to get a successful outcome. Many craniomaxillofacial surgeons have used imaging modalities like conventional radiographs, computed tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) for supporting the planning process. But, there are a lot of limitations in the comprehension of the surgical anatomy with these modalities. Medical models made with rapid prototyping (RP) technique represent a new approach for preoperative planning and simulation surgery. With rapid prototyping models, surgical procedures can be simulated and performed interactively so that surgeon can get a realistic impression of complex structures before surgical intervention. The great advantage of rapid prototyping technique is the precise reproduction of objects from a 3-dimensional reconstruction image as a physical model. Craniomaxillofacial surgeon can establish treatment strategy through preoperative simulation surgery and predict the postoperative result.

Correction of Constricted Ear

The constricted ear was suggested by Tanzer for the purpose of obviating the confusion involving lop ear, cup ear and prominent ear as defect whose helix turns down, and scapha and fossa triangularis are narrowed. The constricted ear has a spectrum of severity and therefore, requires a graded surgical approach. Tanzer has described the degree of deformities of the constricted ear as falling into three groups. For the correction of constricted ear, there are numerous techniques but we have had difficulties in adopting these techniques in various type. We also describe the various constricted ear as the Tanzer's classification and adopted three methods to each type, banner flap(group I), concha cartilage graft (group II) and rib cartilage graft(group III) for reducing postoperative deformity and confusion in correcting the ear deformities. Constricted ear repairs must be individualized to accomodate each specific deformity. We corrected 22 cases of constricted ear in 20 patients using each optimal method described above according to the degree of deformities. Mild deformities need only reshaping and adjusting of existing tissues, moderate deformities need additional skin and severe deformities require a cartilage graft. For correction of constricted ear, accurate identification of the severity of deformity is essential. The results were satisfactory and we report our experience with relative literatures.

Case Report of Rib Bone Graft for Correction of Bifid Nose of Median Facial Cleft

Craniofacial cleft is a rare congenital anomaly with a wide range of clinical manifestation and severity of deformity. In 1976, Tessier announced classification system on the basis of anatomical observation derived from clinical finding or operative dissection. Nowadays, this system is in common use because it is in accordance with terminology and observational finding and clinical manifestation is accordant with operative finding. Median facial cleft(No. 0-14 facial cleft) has a wide range of congenital malformation from a midline cleft upper lip to orbital hypertelorism, among which the bifid nose is frequently associated with hypertelorism. The manifestation of a bifid nose is variable from a simple central groove at the nasal tip to a complete clefting of the osteocartilaginous framework. In consequence, the planning of correction of the bifid nose must be individualized. We contrived correction of bifid nose using rib bone graft containing small amount of costal cartilage with maneuver of 2mm incision on nasal root skin together with fixation with 9mm miniscrew through an open approach in two No. 0-14 facial cleft patients with mild hypertelorism and bifid nose. With this method we could obtain satisfactory results in the standpoint of function as well as aesthetics. We think that this method is appropriate for correction of bifid nose of mild median facial cleft.