ASPECTS OF USING 3D MODELS TO PERFORM PLASTIC SURGERY OF SKULL DEFECTS

The paper examines aspects of using 3D models to automate individual stages of modeling skull defects including methods of forming 3D models and using a statistical shape model. Particular attention is paid to the advantages and prospects for the introduction of technologies into clinical practice, which contributes not only to improving the quality of treatment, but also to expanding the possibilities of successful rehabilitation of patients with severe cases of skull defects. An approach to creating an implant for cranial defect plastic surgery has been developed and tested. As a result of applying the proposed approach positive results have been obtained in the form of reducing the duration of the operation due to simplification of intraoperative adaptation of the universal implant and improving cosmetic characteristics for the patient. To implement it, it is enough to have titanium meshes, a 3D printer and a tomography of the patient’s brain. It is possible to note the economic and time advantages of this approach. There is no need to order expensive individual implants from third-party organizations and wait for their production. Preoperative preparation of the titanium mesh takes less than 1 day.