Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the dimensional measurements and surface topography of geometry reconstructed from high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) of temporal bone with the same natural ears.
Method: HRCT of temporal bone was performed using simultaneous acquirement of 64 sections with a slice thickness of 0.5 mm. Corresponding image data were uploaded into software Amira 4.1 for segmentation and three-dimensional reconstruction. A comparison of the surface topography of the CT reconstructed ear and the natural ear was made.
Results: This prospective study included 10 subjects, including 5 males and 5 females with normal hearing and no previous otologic disorders. A significant correlation of coefficients of various measurements on reconstructed auricles and natural auricles was made. The shape and volume of reconstructed ears by Amira was identical to the natural ear.
Conclusion: The shape and volume of reconstructed auricles by Amira was identical to the natural ears. CT may be appropriate to fabricate a prosthesis through non-invasive techniques. The use of this technique in clinical practice may be in production of a prothesis.
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