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[Fabricating facial prostheses using CAD/CAM and rapid prototyping technique]
Xuemei Huang1, Ting Jiao, Yanping Lin
1Institute of Life Quality via Mechanical Eng., Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, China. huangxuemei@sjtu.edu.cn
Summary
This study introduces a new method for creating facial prostheses for hemifacial microsomia using CAD/CAM and rapid prototyping. This technique significantly improves the accuracy of custom prostheses, offering a better solution for patients needing ear and eye replacements.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Technology
- Prosthodontics
Context:
- Current treatments for hemifacial microsomia often rely on manual wax modeling by technicians.
- This manual approach can lead to inaccuracies in custom-made prostheses for missing facial structures like ears and eyes.
Purpose:
- To integrate Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) with Rapid Prototyping (RP) techniques.
- To develop a more accurate and efficient method for fabricating silastic facial prostheses.
Summary:
- Patient data from CT or laser scanning is utilized with CAD/CAM software.
- Rapid Prototyping (RP) is employed to create precise silastic prostheses based on the digital model.
- Clinical results demonstrate high accuracy in the shape, size, and protrusion of the fabricated facial prostheses.
Impact:
- This integrated CAD/CAM and RP approach offers a suitable and accurate method for fabricating facial prostheses.
- It improves the quality and fit of prostheses for patients with hemifacial microsomia.
- Potential to enhance patient outcomes and reduce reliance on subjective manual techniques.