Modern concepts in computer-assisted craniomaxillofacial reconstruction.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the past year's literature regarding current computer-assisted reconstruction techniques and their outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS: Current computer-assisted craniofacial reconstruction research is focused on data acquisition, planning, surgical and assessment phases. The major areas of interest among researchers include cosmetic surgery; cleft and craniofacial surgery; traumatic reconstruction, head and neck tumor reconstruction; and orthognathic surgery and distraction osteogenesis. Recent advances in the fields include facial analysis and planning in rhinoplasty, facial surface and bone graft volume analysis in cleft surgery, computer-guided tumor ablation and osteocutaneous reconstruction in tumor surgery, and preoperative planning and surgical assistance in orthognathic and distraction osteogenesis surgery.

SUMMARY: Research in computer-aided craniofacial surgery is progressing at a rapid rate. Rather than just the latest innovation, sound research studies are proving computer assistance to be invaluable in producing superior outcomes, especially in the fields of head and neck surgery, orthognathic surgery, and craniomaxillofacial trauma surgery. Further outcome studies and cost-benefit analyses are still needed to show the superiority of these methods to contemporary techniques.