NEW TRENDS IN THE 3D MANAGEMENT OF CT DATA IN PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Introduction of computer aided tomography in 1972 provided surgeons wi th multiple 2D maps which they themselves had to conceptualize mentall y into a third dimension. The later advent of computerized summation o f these data made it possible to display a perspective view of the thi rd dimension on a TV monitor. CT, with the further analytical refineme nt afforded by software processing (interactive data presentation, con tour detection and summation, hypothetical 3D data construction and in teractive visualization) now provides the basic information that is ne eded for the fabrication of an individual model. Such models can be mi lled from polyurethane, More recently, laser-hardened acrylic resins h ave proved to be a useful alternative, Both systems are described and their advantages and disadvantages in the planning and performance of plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures discussed in the light of present knowledge.