Author/Editor		Drstvenšek, Igor; Ihan Hren, Nataša; Strojnik, Tadej; Brajlih, Tomaž; Valentan, Bogdan; Pogačar, Vojko; Zupančič Hartner, Tjaša
Title		Applications of rapid prototyping in cranio-maxilofacial surgery procedures
Type		članek
Vol. and No.		Letnik 2, št. 1
Publication year		2008
Volume		str. 29-38
Language		eng
Abstract		In the last decades, the technical field of additive layered manufacturing (ALM) has offered aid in medical reconstruction procedures in order to help surgeons reconstruct physical faults and anomalies of their patients. Using a combination of Computer Assisted Design (CAD), high medical skills and latest ALM technologies, it is now possible to help patients with birth defects or those suffering from craniofacial injuries of variable severities, retain aesthetic and functional properties of their bodies. Combined with traditional CT scanning techniques rapid technologies (prototyping and tooling) can be used as instruments for better (three-dimensional) visualization, simulation of procedures and treatment of patients. They also improve the overall performances of medical and nursing staff thus influencing the quality of medical service. Using a combination of Computer Assisted Design (CAD), high medical skills and latest rapid prototyping and manufacturing technologies, it is now possible to help patients with craniofacial deformities as birth defects, orthognathic deformities, deformities after malignancy treatment or the consequences of craniofacial injuries of variable severities, resulting in both aesthetic and functional alterations. This paper presents some clinical cases, carried out in cooperation of Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Maribor and both University Clinical Centres in Slovenia, where virtual models have been used for surgical preparations and RP models for manufacturing of implants.
Keywords		rapid prototyping reverse engineering custom implant maxillofacial reconstructive surgery cranioplasty CT scanning