Precise modeling and 3D printing of biocompatible craniofacial prostheses

Abstract

Currently, the fabrication of accurate maxillofacial prostheses involves the integration of 3D modeling and printing technologies. This entails using tomographic scans information in (DICOM) images obtained through computed tomography "CT Scan", free-use software, and 3D printers [I, II]. These techniques are widely used by physicians and engineers, however, a generalized methodology for creating prostheses with “absolute accuracy” to patient requirements has not yet been formally established, according to Pöppe, J.P., et al. (2011) [III]. This paper shows the case of a male athlete who required implanting a large volume prosthesis in the right parietal of the Calota. The implanted prosthesis is not absolutely exact, which causes frequent headaches, in addition to being aesthetically sub-optimal. In this work, the objective is to propose a methodology that allows generating maxillofacial prostheses using DICOM images. Python libraries included in free software are used for visualization, '*.stl' stereolithographic modeling and eventual 3D printing [IV, V]. This specific case is deepened, examining each aspect in detail, and the results are compared with those of the prosthesis placed, thus contributing to improving the generation of "absolutely accurate" prostheses.