title: On the assets of CAD planning for craniosynostosis surgery.
abstract: SkullWiz is a computer-aided design program that transforms computer tomographic data of the neurocranium into a mathematical model that can be interactively manipulated to plan craniosynostosis surgery. Proper planning of this type of surgery involves reference to the underlying viscerocranium and to normal neurocranial dimensions, simulation of all basic surgical actions (closed and open osteotomy, translation, rotation, bending, removal, burring), and reference to the mechanical properties of calvarial bone at a given age. With SkullWiz, infinite trials are possible to develop a surgical plan that combines minimal action with maximum morphologic result. In contrast, physical models, e.g., foam milled or stereolitographic, provide just a single (or double, after gluing) opportunity to visualize three-dimensional morphology and simulate a treatment plan, without reference support. Validation of SkullWiz is difficult due to parameter variability. Its assets are therefore graphically exemplified in two common types of nonsyndromatic single-suture craniosynostosis-trigonocephaly and anterior plagiocephaly. SkullWiz is one of the most accurate planning tools currently available for craniosynostosis surgery. Accurate transfer of the planning by aluminium templates results in efficient and precise surgery by avoiding per-operative "chipping and fitting."
authors.affiliation: Division of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cleft Palate & Craniofacial Anomalies Team, General Hospital St. Jan, Bruges, Belgium. maurice.mommaerts@azbrugge.be
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Mommaerts
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jans
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vander Sloten
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Staels
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Van der Perre
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gobin
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D003391:Cranial Nerves / Q000601:surgery; D003393:Cranial Sutures / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D003398:Craniosynostoses / Q000601:surgery*; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D006257:Head / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D010294:Parietal Bone / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012399:Rotation; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery; D012984:Software; D012986:Software Validation; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed