Virtual planning for craniomaxillofacial surgery – 7 Years of experience

• Published in: Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery Vol. 42; no. 5; pp. e289 - e295
• Main Authors: Adolphs, Nicolai, Haberl, Ernst-Johannes, Liu, Weichen, Keeve, Erwin, Menneking, Horst, Hoffmeister, Bodo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Scotland Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2014
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Computer Simulation; Computer-Aided Design; Craniofacial Abnormalities - surgery; Craniomaxillofacial surgery; Dentistry; Facial Bones - surgery; Female; Forecasting; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - methods; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Male; Models, Anatomic; Orthognathic Surgical Procedures - methods; Osteogenesis, Distraction - methods; Patient Care Planning; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods; Retrospective Studies; Skull - surgery; Surgery; Surgery, Computer-Assisted - methods; Treatment Outcome; User-Computer Interface; Virtual surgical planning; Young Adult; Virtual surgical planning; Craniomaxillofacial surgery
• ISSN: 1010-5182; 1878-4119
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2013.10.008

Abstract Contemporary computer-assisted surgery systems more and more allow for virtual simulation of even complex surgical procedures with increasingly realistic predictions. Preoperative workflows are established and different commercially software solutions are available. Potential and feasibility of virtual craniomaxillofacial surgery as an additional planning tool was assessed retrospectively by comparing predictions and surgical results. Since 2006 virtual simulation has been performed in selected patient cases affected by complex craniomaxillofacial disorders ( n  = 8) in addition to standard surgical planning based on patient specific 3d-models. Virtual planning could be performed for all levels of the craniomaxillofacial framework within a reasonable preoperative workflow. Simulation of even complex skeletal displacements corresponded well with the real surgical result and soft tissue simulation proved to be helpful. In combination with classic 3d-models showing the underlying skeletal pathology virtual simulation improved planning and transfer of craniomaxillofacial corrections. Additional work and expenses may be justified by increased possibilities of visualisation, information, instruction and documentation in selected craniomaxillofacial procedures.