Creation of Dimicleft radiological cleft phantom skulls using reversed virtual planning technique

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this technical report was to develop customized pediatric phantoms for cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-related research in cleft patients. Methods: Six human pediatric skulls (age: 5–10 years) were recruited. A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was taken for each skull, followed by virtual modeling through the process of segmentation. An artificial cleft was designed and printed to be applied onto the skull for the creation of an artificial cleft. The skulls were covered with non-radiopaque tape and immersed in melted Mix-D soft tissue equivalent material. The resulting phantoms covered with Mix-D were assessed radiologically by two expert radiologists. These phantoms were referred to as Dimicleft pediatric skull phantoms. Results: Dimicleft phantoms were able to appropriately mimic in vivo circumstances. No gaps existed between Mix-D and bony tissue. Virtual planning allowed the optimal designing of an artificial cleft onto the phantom. The artificially created cleft was suitable to determine the size, location, and extent of the cleft. Conclusions: Dimicleft phantoms could act as a viable alternative to other commercially available options for assessing image quality and optimizing CBCT protocols in cleft patients for diagnostics and three-dimensional treatment planning.