Facial Reconstruction using Rapid Prototyping Technology

Collaborative Institutions
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Hong Kong (at Queen Mary Hospital)
The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, The University of Hong Kong
Industrial Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Project Summary
The project uses Computer Tomography (CT) Scanning Systems in Queen Mary Hospital to capture the 3D image of a patient. The image is sent to PolyU for digital 3D-model re-construction to build a physical biomedical model using either a Stereolithographic Apparatus (SLA) or a Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) machine.The physical model is then forwarded to Prince Philip Dental Hospital for pre-surgical planning and fabrication.

The introduction of a 3D-model and the application of Rapid Prototyping (RP) Technology in the model re-construction have many advantages. The model can be used to practice complex procedures, greatly reducing the time in the operating room. In fact, not only can it be used for practice surgery, it is also a great aid for visualisation. Surgeons and their teams are able to see the actual location, size and shape of the problem area. This aids communication between the surgical team, the physician and the patient. In the case of an extremely long operation, the surgical team can use the physical model to plan the surgery so that the desired outcome is more assured. Surgeons can view the expected outcome and decisions can be taken about the patient's short and long term treatment.

A recent surgical case has applied the CT Scanning System and RP Technology in re-constructing a patient's missing bone on the right side of the face caused by cancer of the upper jaw. The application of both technology in the same project proved to be a success after the successful completion of the surgical operation.