Three-dimensional virtual and physical technologies in the treatment of craniofacial anomalies

Medical imaging is being used for the latest three decades since the CT was invented in the 70's Since then, new modalities of medical imaging, like MRI, PET. SPECT, Ultrasound etc. became available revolutionizing all fields of healthy. Therefore, it is possible today obtaining precise 3D images of internal. anatomical structures for diagnose and treatment. On the other hand, about two decades ago a new class of technology called rapid prototyping became available in the engineering field to support product development process. The integration of these two technologies. by means of medical image processing software, became a natural step to create physical models of anatomical structures, called biomodel. offering a "touch and feel" replica of the patient's anatomy before surgical intervention. This, article presents the basis for biomodels production and the resulting benefits as a multidisciplinary experience integrating engineering and surgical domains.