3D CT Image Processing for 3D Printed Auricular Reconstruction of Unilateral Microtia Patient

Abstract

Purpose Microtia is congenital anomaly of external ear and the reconstruction method for the external ear of microtia patient was based on autogenous costal cartilage framework. The application of 3D printing technique in medical science has made more possibility of human tissue restoration, and we tried to apply this technique in auricular reconstruction field. Materials and Methods As for unilateral microtia patient, the contralateral side ear is normal and reconstructive surgeon tried to mimic it for reconstruction of affected ear. So, we obtained facial CT scan of microtia patient and made mirror image of normal side ear. Moreover, to make the 3D scaffold based on the mirror image of normal ear and to apply this scaffold for the auricular reconstruction surgery, we included auriculocephalic sulcus and anterior fixation part. Results We could successfully obtain mirror image of normal ear, auriculocephalic sulcus and anterior fixation part for 3D scaffold printing. Conclusions Using this CT image processing and 3D printing technique, we will be able to make the scaffold for auricular reconstruction of unilateral microtia patient, and perform auricular reconstruction in near future.