title: [Possibilities of computer graphics simulation in orthopedic surgery].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In addition to standard X-rays, photographic documentation, cephalometric and model analysis, a computer-aided, three-dimensional (3D) simulation system has been developed in close cooperation with the Institute of Communications of the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. With this simulation system a photorealistic prediction of the expected soft tissue changes can be made. Prerequisites are a 3D reconstruction of the facial skeleton and a 3D laser scan of the face. After data reduction, the two data sets can be matched. Cutting planes enable the transposition of bony segments. The laser scan of the facial surface is combined with the underlying bone via a five-layered soft tissue model to convert bone movements on the soft tissue cover realistically.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further research is necessary to replace the virtual subcutaneous soft tissue model by correct, topographic tissue anatomy.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Glückstrasse 11, 91054 Erlangen.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kessler
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wiltfang
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Teschner
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Girod
authors.forename: F W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Neukam
mesh_terms: D002508:Cephalometry; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed