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Author Aung SC, Tan BK, Foo CL, Lee ST Institution Department of Plastic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
Source Ann Acad Med Singapore 1999 Sep;28(5):739-43
Abstract Advances in technology have benefited the medical world in
many ways and a new generation of computed tomography (CT) scanners and three-dimensional
(3-D) model making rapid prototyping systems (RPS) have taken craniofacial surgical
planning and management to new heights. With the development of new rapid prototyping
systems and the improvements in CT scan technology, such as the helical scanner,
biomedical modelling has improved considerably and accurate 3-D models can now be
fabricated to allow surgeons to visualise and physically handle a 3-D model on which
simulation surgery can be performed. The principle behind this technology is to first
acquire digital data (CT scan data) which is then imported to the RPS to fabricate fine
layers or cuts of the model which are gradually built up to form the 3-D models. Either
liquid resin or nylon powder or special paper may be used to make these models using the
various RPS available today. Selective laser sintering (SLS), which employs a CO2 laser
beam to solidify special nylon powder and build up the model in layers is described in this
case report, where a 23-year old Chinese female with panfacial fracture and a skull defect
benefited from SLS biomodelling in the preoperative workup. XX