3-D biomodelling technology for maxillofacial reconstruction

• DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2008.02.007
• Publication Date: 2008-03-10T17:01:56Z
• Authors: Manuel Oliveira; N. Sooraj Hussain; A.G. Dias; M.A. Lopes; Luís Azevedo; Horácio Zenha; Horácio Costa; J.D. Santos
• Keywords: Iliac crest; Surgical Planning; Rapid Prototyping; Impression

Abstract Biomodel is a product of rapid prototyping process that represents a new approach for surgical planning and simulation. Biomodels were found to be particularly effective to locate an exact defect with good measurement accuracy and without any risk to the patients' health. These models could provide surgeons a realistic impression of complex structures before surgical intervention, allowing a define diagnosis and a precise preoperative simulation of skeleton modifying interventions. This work reports on the application of innovative 3-D biomodelling technology in the maxillofacial reconstruction. This technology allows for the calculation of the exact contours, angulations, length and general morphology of iliac crest and fibula flaps for maxillofacial reconstruction in a total of 28 clinical cases. Clinical results have shown that by using this technique, much better facial symmetry and improved functionality were achieved after surgery, which resulted in enormous benefits for treated patients.