Objective To investigate the methods of establishing 3-dimensional skull model using electron beam CT(EBCT) data rapid prototyping technique, andto discuss its application in repairing crainomaxillofacial trauma. Methods The data were obtained by EBCTcontinuous volumetric scanning with 1.0 mm slice at thickness. The data were transferred to workstation for 3-dimensional surface reconstruction by computeraided design software and the images were saved as STL file. The data can be usedto control a laser rapid-prototyping device(AFS-320QZ) to construct geometricmodel. The material for the model construction is a kind of laser-sensitive resinpower, which will become a mass when scanned by laser beam .The design and simulation of operation can be done on the model. The image data were transferred to the device slice by slice. Thus a geometric model is constructed according to the image data by repeating this process. Preoperative analysis, surgery simulation and implant of bone defect could be done on this computer-aided manufacture d3D model. One case of craniomaxillofacial bone defect resulting from trauma wasreconstructed with this method. The EBCT scanning showed that the defect area was 4 cm×6 cm. The nose was flat and deviated to left. Results The -3dimensional -skull was reconstructed with EBCT data and rapid prototyping technique. The model can display the structure of 3-dimenstional anatomyand their relationship.The prefabricated implant by 3-dimensional model was well-matched with defect .The deformities of flat and deviated nose were corrected. The clinical result wassatisfactory after a follow-up of 17 months. Conclusion The 3-dimensional model of skull can replicate the prototype of disease and play an important role in the diagnosis and simulation of operation for repairing craniomaxillofacial trauma.
