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Original Article

Computer-Aided Craniofacial Surgical Planning Implemented in CAD Software

, , , , &
Pages 117-128 | Received 12 Jan 1999, Accepted 28 Jun 1999, Published online: 06 Jan 2010
 

Abstract

Accurate presurgical planning is imperative for successful cranial surgery. This article introduces a simulation program developed in a computer-aided design environment. The neuro-cranium is introduced as a mathematical surface, since this is the part on which the actual operation will be performed. The viscerocranium, which serves as reference, is visualized using small triangular surfaces. The development of the program commenced with a classification of the different surgical techniques mentioned in the literature into six basic actions. The use of mathematically described surfaces has the advantage that the program can simulate actions which change the shape of a surface and perform an on-line estimation of the fracture risk during bending. Three-point bending tests were carried out to provide the necessary data to perform the mathematical check, as these data are not available in the literature. A database with reference distances was introduced to guide the surgeon to obtain the best possible results. During one clinical trial, the computer was taken into the operating room so that the surgical plan developed with the simulation program could be applied to the actual operation.

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