Engineering the perfect face

Facial reconstruction has problems that go far beyond the aesthetic. Reconstruction patients may soon have the option of employing high tech engineering design to recreate the perfect custom-made bone replacement according to researchers at the University of Illinois and the Ohio State University Medical Center.

The loss of facial bone, for whatever reason, presents challenges to patients and surgeons alike. “The mid-face is perhaps the most complicated part of the human skeleton,” said Glaucio Paulino, the Donald Biggar Willet Professor of Engineering at U of I. “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.”

Bones are not just structural but participate in nuanced function like chewing, smelling, speaking and breathing. Often bone is harvested from other parts of the body and sculpted to replicate the particular area. However, since these bones vary quite a bit, even after sculpting and healing, there can be less than satisfactory function.

So the research team applied an engineering design technique called topology optimization to see if better results could be achieved. It uses extensive 3-D computerized modeling to design structures that need to support specific loads in a confined space -- not unlike what goes on with the bones mid-face. The technique is commonly used for designing high rise buildings and car parts.

First researchers construct a detailed 3-D model of the patient in question and specify a design domain based on the function of the replacement and the extent of the injury. The computer then creates a design specifically for the requirement including blood flow, sinus cavity, chewing force and soft tissue support considerations. Based on the model, a new bone segment is fashioned and put into the place. Inside the computer environment, they can even see how the piece would look in the patient’s face.

Next is to test it on the real deal and see how accurate it is. The results could be far reaching and effectively reduce multiple surgeries for extensive replacement requirements due to severe trauma.

Source: U of I/Urbana Champaign, ScienceDaily