An Application of Computer Graphics and Networks to Anatomic Model and Prosthesis Manufacturing

Computer graphics has now matured in medical applications from 2D and 3D presentations for diagnosis and the planning of surgery and therapy to become the key step in making hand-held models of custom prostheses. The system described here delivers 3D shape information to create skeletal models, plan corrective surgery, and directly manufacture prostheses. Implants and anatomic models are manufactured using computed tomography (CT) image data and a system to generate Instructions for numerically controlled machines. The system combines clinical imaging, an algorithm for 3D edge detection, computer communications, and computer-aided and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). This integration of technologies brings recent advances in computer-aided design and manufacturing to the local community CT scanning clinic in a cost-effective manner. Via computer communications, several hundred remote medical imaging centers can have their CT scanners connected on-line to CAD/CAM facilities that one could not support alone. Operators of the remote CT scanners bear only the cost of computer communications equipment to being their patients this service. We use the clinical course of several patients in whom prostheses have been implanted to describe this technology.