3-Dimensional Model Simulation Craniomaxillofacial Surgery using Rapid Prototyping Technique

ABSTRACT

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.