Development of a custom zygomatic implant using metal sintering

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and development of a patient-specific implant for zygomatic area of a patient suffering from mucormycosis (fungal infection). The paper describes how integration of computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing can be successfully used for developing custom implants for the sites for which readymade optimal solutions are not available.

Design/methodology/approach

The CT scan data of the patient were used for the generation of a 3D model. The healthy side of skull was mirrored and copied on the infected part, which served as a base for designing the implant. The prototype of the implant was printed using fused deposition modelling before finally printing in Ti6Al4V alloy using direct metal laser sintering process.

Findings

The custom designed implant fitted well to the patient’s skull during surgery. Proper facial aesthetics were maintained post-surgery.

Originality/value

The work describes the application of CAD-based image processing software and additive manufacturing in the development of a custom implant for the sites for which no readymade optimal solution is available.

Citation

Meena, V.K., , G., , A., Rattan, V., Luthra, G. and Kalra, P. (2018), "Development of a custom zygomatic implant using metal sintering", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 24 No. 5, pp. 828-831. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-01-2017-0003