Khemajit Sena, Surasith Piyasin and Kriskrai Sitthiseripratip

pp. 437 - 442

Abstract

This study presents the validation of the standardized design of skull implants for Thais. CT scanned data of 100 dry
skulls from the native Thai cadavers were reconstructed into 3D models. The Computer Aided Design (CAD) program was
then used to design three standard skull sizes: small (S), medium (M), and large (L), to fit the obtained 3D models. By using
the statistical analysis method, these three standard sizes were clearly located and mapped with the most frequently injured
area of the skulls. The results showed that 13 skulls matched size S, 77 skulls matched size M, and 10 skulls matched size L.
The average gaps of each skull size to its matched dry skulls were 2.77±2.31 mm for size S, 2.69±1.93 mm for size M, and
2.82±2.02 mm for size L. The total average gap of all three skull sizes to their matched dry skulls (100 skulls) was 2.71±1.99
mm. The obtained results demonstrated the feasibility of using the standardized skull implants instead of designing implants
individually for each operation. The standardized skull implants would also eliminate the use of CT scanning process in every
implant preparation, leading to time and cost savings. 

Keywords

• cranioplasty
• standardized implant
• 3D medical imaging
• computer aided design
• implants validation