Fabricating auricular prostheses based on rapid prototyping and the FreeForm modelling system

Abstract

In this paper, a novel method for reconstructing and fabricating a missing ear is presented based on rapid prototyping (RP) and the FreeForm modelling system. Using the method, the image of the normal ear is extracted, mirrored, and positioned onto the image of the deformed side of the face precisely, and the undersurface of the ear prosthesis can match the remnant tissue of deformed side perfectly without making a wax ear. In the clinic, six ear prostheses have been produced and applied successfully. The results suggest that high accuracy has been achieved in shape, size, and protrusion of the ear prostheses, which indicates that the application of RP techniques in conjunction with the FreeForm modelling system is a suitable approach for fabricating ear prosthesis.

Research on Fabrication of Nasal Prosthesis based on Computer Vision

“…In last two decades, many scholars tried various methods in producing facial prostheses (1)(2) , for example, Cheah (3) used CAD / CAM technology in treatment of facial defect. He first received 3D shape facial defect data by using laser scanners , then got the CAD model of the defect through data process and geometric reconstruction, and at last he built the resin prototype by using lithography methods; Mitsuhiro Tsuji (4) produced eye prosthesis in 2002; G. Dimitroulis (5) made nasal prosthesis in 2007; Using similar approach, X. Huang.M (6) cured auricular defects by CT image, but there were still some deficiencies, such as: 1) Laser scanning technology Its flaw is : slow to meet with facial expression change and potential harm to the human skin.…”

A Simplified Technique for Orientation of a Bone Anchored Auricular Prostheses: a Clinical Report

“…This technique, avoid also, early wax sculpture of the ear that takes time and increase the planning time. This technique avoided also, preservation of this wax sculpture for long periods of time (3 - 6 months) until complete osseointegration is evident and avoided sophisticated imaging and fabrication procedures [11-15]. It also, safe because it eliminated the need for exposing the patient to varying degrees of radiation according to the imaging system used [14].…”

“…This technique avoided also, preservation of this wax sculpture for long periods of time (3 - 6 months) until complete osseointegration is evident and avoided sophisticated imaging and fabrication procedures [11-15]. It also, safe because it eliminated the need for exposing the patient to varying degrees of radiation according to the imaging system used [14]. These imaging techniques for fabrication of surgical guide are very costly, require sophisticated technologies, may not be able to reproduce all the anatomic features, and works only with the presence of intact ear in the other side [14].…”

“…It also, safe because it eliminated the need for exposing the patient to varying degrees of radiation according to the imaging system used [14]. These imaging techniques for fabrication of surgical guide are very costly, require sophisticated technologies, may not be able to reproduce all the anatomic features, and works only with the presence of intact ear in the other side [14]. Some of these techniques are very difficult to apply in the operating room [13].…”

“…One technique used occlusal maxillary splint connected with extraoral bar to the acrylic ear prosthesis for orientation [13]. Many others used sophisticated imaging techniques like CT, Digital Volume Topography, and laser scanning and rapid prototyping and free form modelling system which uses MRI digitizer that make image capturing of the patient healthy ear, image processing, and ear prosthesis making [14]. Another imaging technique is used to fabricate stereolithographic models and customized drill guides [15].…”