Computer-aided 3-D simulation and prediction of craniofacial surgery: a new approach

Background: In plastic and reconstructive craniofacial surgery, careful pre operative planning is essential, In complex cases of craniofacial synostosi s, rapid prototyping models are used to simulate the surgery and reduce ope rating time, Recently, 3-D CT model surgery has been introduced for presurg ical planning and prediction of the postoperative result, Objective: For si mulation of craniofacial surgery a computer-based system was developed that allows visualization and manipulation of CT-data using computer graphics t echniques. Surgical procedures in all areas of the bony skull can be perfor med interactively. Results: The case of a child with scaphocephalus is pres ented, Surgery is planned using the craniofacial surgery simulator describe d above. Conclusion: The computer-based interactive surgery simulation syst ems presented here allow precise visualization of craniofacial surgery, The accurate computer-aided 3-D simulation of bone displacements is also the p rerequisite for transfer of the simulated surgery using a navigation system for surgery. Thus the preoperatively planned procedure could be transferre d directly to the operating table, (C) 2001 European Association for Cranio -Maxillofacial Surgery.