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Accuracy of rapid prototype models for head and neck reconstruction
Robert M Taft1, Shayne Kondor, Gerald T Grant
1Dental Corps, United States Navy, USA.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|December 3, 2011
Summary
Accuracy of stereolithography (SLA) skull models for craniofacial reconstruction was assessed. While Z-axis discrepancies were significant, overall model accuracy was well within clinical tolerance for patient treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Rapid prototyping (RP) models are crucial for craniofacial reconstructions.
- Lack of established standards for RP model accuracy poses challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of stereolithography (SLA) skull models.
- To validate RP model precision using a coordinate measurement device.
Main Methods:
- Fiducial markers on a cadaver skull were scanned using Multi Detector Computer Tomography (MDCT).
- Seven SLA skull models were fabricated and measured with a coordinate measurement device.
- Euler rotation transformation and paired t-tests analyzed coordinate system accuracy.
Main Results:
- Significant differences observed in the Z-axis (additive build) of SLA models compared to the control (P<.001).
- X and Y-axis dimensional differences were not consistently significant.
- Dimensional deviations were within the voxel dimensions of the MDCT scans.
Conclusions:
- Greatest discrepancies in RP model fabrication correlate with MDCT scan's Z-axis voxel dimensions (slice thickness).
- The absolute magnitude of error in SLA models is small.
- Model accuracy is within generally accepted tolerances for patient treatment.
