Three-dimensional imaging and computer simulation for office-based surgery.
OBJECTIVE
Advancements in computers and imaging, especially over the last 10 years, have permitted the adoption of 3-dimensional imaging protocols in the health care field. In addition, the affordability and ease of use of these modalities allow their widespread adoption and use in diagnosis and treatment planning. This is particularly important when the deformities are complex involving both function and esthetics, such as those in the dentofacial area and with orthognathic surgery.


METHODS
Image fusion involves combining images from different imaging modalities to create a virtual record of an individual called a patient-specific anatomic reconstruction (PSAR). We describe the system and show its use in 1 case.


RESULTS
Image fusion and, more specifically, PSAR permit a more accurate analysis of deformity as an aid to diagnosis and treatment planning.


CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional imaging and computer simulation can be effectively used for planning office-based procedures. The PSAR can be used to perform virtual surgery and establish a definitive and objective treatment plan for correction of a facial deformity. The end result is improved patient care and decreased expense.
Schendel
Stephen A
SA
Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94304, USA. sschendel@stanford.edu
Jacobson
Richard
R
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D007256:Information Systems; D019767:Maxillofacial Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D008954:Models, Biological; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010780:Photogrammetry / Q000379:methods; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D063173:Retrognathia / Q000601:surgery; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014584:User-Computer Interface