3D visualization and simulation of frontoorbital advancement in metopic synostosis.

OBJECTIVES

Current multislice computed tomography (CT) technology can be used for diagnosis and surgical planning applying computer-assisted three-dimensional (3D) visualization and surgical simulation. The usefulness of a technique for surgical simulation of frontoorbital advancement is demonstrated here in a child with metopic synostosis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Postprocessing of multi-slice CT data was performed using the software 3D slicer. 3D models were created for the purpose of surgical simulation. These allow planning the course of the osteotomies and individually placing the different bony fragments by an assigned matrix to simulate the surgical result. Photo documentation was obtained before and after surgery. Surgical simulation of the procedure allowed determination of the osteotomy course and assessment of the positioning of the individual bony fragments.

CONCLUSIONS

Computer-assisted postprocessing and simulation is a useful tool for surgical planning in craniosynostosis surgery. The time-effort for segmentation currently limits the routine clinical use of this technique.