Use of three-dimensional computer graphic animation to illustrate cleft lip and palate surgery.
OBJECTIVE
Three-dimensional (3D) computer animation is not commonly used to illustrate surgical techniques. This article describes the surgery-specific processes that were required to produce animations to teach cleft lip and palate surgery.


METHODS
Three-dimensional models were created using CT scans of two Chinese children with unrepaired clefts (one unilateral and one bilateral). We programmed several custom software tools, including an incision tool, a forceps tool, and a fat tool.


RESULTS
Three-dimensional animation was found to be particularly useful for illustrating surgical concepts. Positioning the virtual "camera" made it possible to view the anatomy from angles that are impossible to obtain with a real camera. Transparency allows the underlying anatomy to be seen during surgical repair while maintaining a view of the overlaying tissue relationships. Finally, the representation of motion allows modeling of anatomical mechanics that cannot be done with static illustrations. The animations presented in this article can be viewed on-line at http://www.smiletrain.org/programs/virtual_surgery2.htm.


CONCLUSIONS
Sophisticated surgical procedures are clarified with the use of 3D animation software and customized software tools. The next step in the development of this technology is the creation of interactive simulators that recreate the experience of surgery in a safe, digital environment.
Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, New York University Medical Center, New York, New York 10016, USA. court.cutting@med.nyu.edu
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Cutting
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Oliker
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Haring
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Dayan
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Smith
D002648:Child; D002971:Cleft Lip / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011859:Radiography; D012984:Software