536
Copyright © 2017, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited.
Chapter 20
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-0571-6.ch020
ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with four exemplary methods of virtual skull implants modeling. These methods
combine simultaneous usage of three modeling systems: reverse engineering system, surface modeling
system, and haptic modeling system, and their characteristic modeling methods and techniques. Using
three diferent modeling systems, the authors obtain a synergy efect of the implant shape and model
quality increasing. The target virtual model of the implant is always well suited to the coastline of bone
lack in the skull. Additionally, time of the virtual model developed is very short compared to use of only
one of the standard engineering CAx systems. The chapter describes four original methods developed
by the author.
INTRODUCTION
The need to remove a bone piece in neurosurgical procedures or the occurrence of the loss as a result of
mechanical trauma are the causes of a need to restore the natural shape of the skull bone. In the major-
ity of patients who have experienced the loss of cranial bones, proper supplementing the appropriate
implants, giving the desired aesthetic effect, so-called cranioplasty surgery (Karbowski, Urbanik, &
Wyleżoł, 2010), is an important psychological factor in the recovery and return to normal life in soci-
ety. Performing trial fit implant constructed should precede the cranial implant implementation. This
process can be carried out in two stages: in the virtual world (using 3D models of the skull and of the
implant, Figure 1a), and in the real world with the use of physical models of the skull and implant using
techniques such as incremental 3D printing, Figure 1b.
Methods of Skull Implants
Modeling with Use of CAx
and Haptic Systems
Marek Wyleżoł
Silesian University of Technology, Poland