Bio-models ensure surgical accuracy for treatment of facial deformity and asymmetry
Facial deformity and asymmetry often result from relatively minor magnitudes of bone displacement or deformity. A high level of accuracy is essential for successful surgery. Stereolithography is an industrial process that employs data compiled from computer-assisted design (CAD) for generating three-dimensional models. The data drives a laser over a bath of photosensitive resin that produces a series of stacked slices, resulting in an accurate three-dimensional industrial model or prototype. The maxillofacial surgeons use this technique to produce excellent three-dimensional representations of facial bone structures, making use of data from CT or MRI scans.
These so-called bio-models can be useful in many clinical situations that involve facial bone deformities. This process ensures a precise visualisation of the facial skeleton. It serves as an invaluable tool for both the diagnosis as well as treatment planning of congenital, developmental or post-traumatic conditions that affect the facial region. In particular, it enables the maxillofacial surgeons to make an accurate measurement of the deformity.
Surgeons are able to practice the surgery on the model, allowing full appreciation of the osteotomy bone cuts needed to achieve the desired results, to go with any other areas that may need augmentation with bone grafts. Precious theatre time can be saved and this technique also ensures surgical accuracy.
