Computer-aided maxillofacial surgery: an update.
BACKGROUND
Recent developments in technology have revolutionized medicine and surgery. This article aims at providing an update on the current trends in computer-aided maxillofacial surgery and illustrates these advances with clinical cases.


METHODS
The PubMed database was searched for articles published during the past 5 years using the keywords "maxillofacial" and "surgery, computer-assisted." Full texts of relevant articles were retrieved, and their study details were extracted.


RESULTS
Among the 133 articles, most focused on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), stereophotography, surgical panning software, and intraoperative navigation. Stereophotography produces 3D facial photographs with natural color and texture, whereas CBCT generates excellent hard-tissue images with a substantially lower radiation than conventional CT scans. Information gathered from CBCT and stereophotography can be used for accurate diagnosis, virtual planning, and simulation of surgery with the aid of specialized software. The preplanned treatment can be executed accurately via intraoperative surgical navigation.


CONCLUSIONS
Tremendous potential exists for computer-aided maxillofacial surgery as it moves from research to clinical care.
Discipline of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
Yasas S N
YS
Jayaratne
Roger A
RA
Zwahlen
John
J
Lo
Stephen C
SC
Tam
Lim K
LK
Cheung
D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D013515:Surgery, Oral / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome