Computer aided planning and execution of craniofacial surgical procedures

Abstract

In 1983 we began clinical evaluation of a surgical simulation program based on a three-dimensionalization of a cephalogram (Cutting et al. 1986a). Two orthogonal X-ray views are used to locate 34 points on the face. A simple wire frame visual representation was used to perform an interactive three-dimensional surgical simulation. As a large database of such X-rays already existed (Grayson 1988 et al), results could be compared with an age, race and sex appropriated normal form. Optimization routines were added which had been created. Numerical printouts specified the movements of each piece. The surgeon could use these 'surgical blueprints' in the operating room.