Application of Mimics software to 3D reconstruction in the optimization design of titanium mesh for cranioplasty

LIU Xian-bo; LAI Dan; LI Luo; HU Bin; MAO Yun-fei; PENG Cheng-fu

doi:10.13798/j.issn.1009-153X.2024.04.007

Abstract：Objective To investigate the application efficacy of the three-dimensional(3D)reconstruction of Mimics software for the shape optimization design of titanium meshes in cranioplasty.Methods A total of 60 cases undergoing cranioplasty were prospectively conducted from May 2017 to May 2022.Among them,30 cases underwent the shape optimization design of titanium meshes using the 3D reconstruction of Mimics software(optimization group),while 30 cases were treated with conventionally designed titanium meshes(control group).Results In comparison with the control group,the rate of satisfactory blood supply to the surgical incision in the optimization group was significantly elevated(80.0%vs.53.3%;P=0.028),the rate of grade A healing of the postoperative incision was significantly augmented(70.0%vs.40.0%;P=0.020),the postoperative suture removal time was significantly shortened[(7.07±0.95)d vs.(7.83±1.12)d;P=0.006],and the incidence of substantial epidural effusion after the surgery was significantly reduced(10.0%vs.36.7%;P=0.015).No intracranial hemorrhage or titanium mesh exposure was observed in the optimization group after the operation.Conclusions The application of the 3D reconstruction of Mimics software for the shape optimization design of titanium meshes can effectively alleviate the tension of incision suture during cranioplasty,enhance the blood supply and healing of the incision after operation,shorten the postoperative suture removal time,decrease the incidence of significant epidural effusion,and effectively minimize the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage and titanium mesh exposure.