title: Virtual reality surgical planning for maxillofacial distraction osteogenesis: the role of reverse engineering rapid prototyping and cooperative work.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is the demonstration of virtual reality (VR) and rapid prototyping (RP) in surgical planning in maxillofacial surgery. The authors emphasize the role of reverse engineering (RE) and RP, suggesting a model of cooperative work, with the interaction of maxillofacial surgeons, radiologists, and engineers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data acquisition is performed using computed tomography. The 3D model is the result of RE practices based on image segmentation, and the real model is produced via stereolithography. Virtual simulations are performed on the 3D model obtained from image segmentation. All these stages require the interaction and collaboration of various experts: maxillofacial surgeons, radiologists, and RE and RP experts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  VR and stereolithography models represent a new technology to help the surgeon who has to work in cooperation with engineers and radiologists to improve the results in surgical planning of maxillofacial distraction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When performing the VR simulation, surgeons and engineers operate together in order to optimize the exploitation of the instruments available. Both VR and RP, with different and complementary advantages and limitations, can improve surgical planning activities and this is particularly effective when dealing with complex anatomical structures in maxillofacial surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy. m.robiony@med.uniud.it
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Robiony
authors.forename: Iolanda
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Salvo
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: Nicoletta
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zerman
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bazzocchi
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Toso
authors.forename: Camillo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bandera
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Filippi
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Felice
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Politi
mesh_terms: D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D002648:Child; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005146:Facial Asymmetry / Q000601:surgery; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D024343:Open Bite / Q000601:surgery; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000379:methods*; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011871:Radiology; D013515:Surgery, Oral; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014584:User-Computer Interface