OBJECTIVEBy reverse engineering and rapid prototyping techniques to found a new design method of maxillofacial restoration.

METHODSBy laser scanning apparatus the plaster face model was scanned and the primitive face point data were acquired. With the reverse engineering software, the point data were reconstructed to one smooth face surface image and the defect orbital tissue shape data was obtained from the normal contralateral tissue data in the software. The model designed the three-dimensional data of defect part and the rapid prototyping technique made the resin orbital restoration.

RESULTSThe laser scanning apparatus acquired the distinct and precise model data of the plaster face-model. The Digisurface retrograde engineer software succeeded to fulfill the unilateral orbital defect computer-aided design. The orbital restoration inosculated the plaster model tightly and symmetrically.

CONCLUSIONThe reverse engineering software and rapid prototyping technique could finish the computer-aided design and manufacture of the unilateral orbital defect restoration smoothly and satisfactorily.