Three dimensional CT reconstruction images for craniofacial surgical planning and evaluation.

Abstract

Three dimensional reconstruction images of bony and soft tissue surfaces have improved understanding of complex facial deformities. Applied to CT studies of complex craniofacial abnormalities, this method has delineated abnormal facial soft tissue and bony morphology, facilitated surgical planning, and improved quantitative postoperative evaluation. Advanced computer-aided aircraft design techniques were adapted and applied to craniofacial surgical procedure-planning and evaluation using surface contours obtained from CT scans.