Reverse engineering techniques for cranioplasty: a case study

J Med Eng Technol. 2008 Mar-Apr;32(2):115-21. doi: 10.1080/03091900600700749.

Abstract

This paper presents rapid prototyping and reverse engineering techniques applied to create an implant for the surgical reconstruction of a large cranial defect. A series of computed tomography (CT) images was obtained and purpose built software was used to extract the cranial geometry in a point cloud. The point cloud produced was used for: (a) the creation of a stereolithographic (STL) physical model for direct assessment of the cranial defect; and (b) the creation of a 3D mould model for the fabrication of the patient-specific implant.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Bone Substitutes*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Models, Biological
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Prosthesis Design / methods*
  • Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Skull / diagnostic imaging*
  • Skull / surgery*

Substances

  • Bone Substitutes