Systems and methods are provided for designing and producing custom-made
templates for implantation or for pre-contouring metallic or polymer implantable
plates prior to surgery. According to one embodiment, medical image data representing
surrounding portions of a patient's anatomy to be repaired by surgical implantation
of a bone reconstruction plate is received. Next, three-dimensional surface reconstruction
is preformed based on the medical image data. Virtual removal of a bone or portion
thereof to be reconstructed is performed with reference to the medical image data
by simulating the contemplated surgical implantation procedure. Then, a representation
of a template is created that is countered to fit the patient's anatomy to be repaired.
Finally, a replica of the template is produced by using Solid Freeform Fabrication
manufacturing techniques.