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Maxillofacial biomodelling—preliminary result

¹ Department of Medical Imaging, Holy Spirit Hospital, 259, Wickham Terrace, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia ² Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Wesley Hospital, Coronation Drive, Auchenflower, Brisbane, Queensland 4066, Australia ³ Centre for Medical and Health Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia

A new technique of manufacturing three-dimensional (3D) hard tissue biomodels is described. The models, derived from computed tomography data, were constructed by a computer-controlled manufacturing device known as stereolithography apparatus (SLA). Selected cases of patients with facial deformities were presented to illustrate clinical applications of the SLA biomodelling. Physical demonstration of the bony internal anatomy in these patients promoted better conceptualization of the disease process, allowing optimal input into the management decision, pre-operative planning and choice of surgical technique with a consequent reduction in operating time and potential reduction in peri-operative morbidity. Limitations of the solid modelling technique include cost, a lengthy production time which renders it unsuitable for emergency cases, and radiation exposure of the patient. With wider use and further technological development, these drawbacks will be minimized. The 3D SLA biomodels may in future become an adjunct, not only to maxillofacial surgery, but also to other medical specialities.

Received for publication April 7, 1994. Accepted for publication October 31, 1994.

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