title: Virtual surgical planning in craniofacial surgery.
abstract: The complex three-dimensional anatomy of the craniofacial skeleton creates a formidable challenge for surgical reconstruction. Advances in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology have created increasing applications for virtual surgical planning in craniofacial surgery, such as preoperative planning, fabrication of cutting guides, and stereolithographic models and fabrication of custom implants. In this review, the authors describe current and evolving uses of virtual surgical planning in craniofacial surgery.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Harvey
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chim
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wetjen
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mardini
keywords: cranial vault remodeling; craniofacial surgery; craniosynostosis; distraction osteogenesis; virtual surgical planning