TECHNOLOGY FOR CHANGE

Computer Modeling Improves Reconstructive Surgery

Rebecca Kutzer-Rice | Date: 07-22-10 | Comments

Researchers at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are using engineering tricks like 3D computer modeling to improve facial reconstruction, one of the most difficult reconstructive surgeries.

The loss of facial bones, which can occur with injuries and illnesses like cancer, has serious, long-term effects for patients. Beyond cosmetic consequences, facial bone loss can impair functions like chewing, breathing, and speaking. Thanks to researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Ohio State Medical Center, the process of facial reconstruction could soon become easier and more reliable.

Researchers at the University of Illinois are applying engineering techniques to facial reconstruction surgeries for better results.

Glaucio Paulino, the Donald Biggar Willett Professor of Engineering at University of Illinois, describes the complicated process of facial reconstruction in the university press release. "The mid-face is perhaps the most complicated part of the human skeleton. What makes mid-face reconstruction more complicated is its unusual unique shape (bones are small and delicate) and functions, and its location in an area susceptible to high contamination with bacteria."

In a typical facial reconstruction surgery, doctors remove bone mass from other parts of the patient�s body, such as the hip. They then manually shape the bone to fit the missing facial parts. Oftentimes, these surgeries are imprecise and ineffective�patients still suffer the consequences deformed bone structures.

In the new reconstruction approach, engineers applied a common engineering method, called topology optimization, to the surgery. This method, used often in designing high-rise buildings and automobile parts, utilizes 3-D computer modeling to design specific structures for small spaces.

"It tells you where to put material and where to create holes," says Paulino, a professor of civil and environmental engineering. "Essentially, the technique allows engineers to find the best solution that satisfies design requirements and constraints. �

In the process, a computer creates a detailed 3-D model of a patient�s face and then uses algorithms to compute the necessary features of a reconstruction. It even accounts for complicated variables like blood flow and sinus cavities.

"This technique has the potential to pave the way toward development of tissue engineering methods to create custom fabricated living bone replacements in optimum shapes and amounts," Paulino states. "The possibilities are immense and we feel that we are just in the beginning of the process."

Other researchers included Tam Nguyen of University of Illinois, and Alok Sutradhar and Dr. Michael Miller of Ohio State University Medical Center Division of Plastic Surgery. The results of the study appear in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.