Outer ear reconstruction using 3D technology

Abstract

Manufacturing replicas for replacing missing or defective body parts also incorporates 3D technology, including scanning, image processing and printing. In the case of the ears, both aesthetics and functionality play a significant role. Based on these techniques, outer ear replicas were produced using 3D scans of human skulls in a rapid prototyping procedure for actual patients. Hand-held scanners delivered accurate images for post-processing of the mesh and for printing in a cost- and time efficient way. Use cases of patients demonstrate applicability, allowing the technology to be available also for the general population in the future.

Keywords

• 3d printing
• image processing
• outer ear
• reconstruction
• biomaterials