Modern Applications of Computer Bioengineering in Maxillofacial Surgery: Image Guided Surgical Navigation and CAD/CAM Custom Implants

Orbital reconstruction is a common craniofacial surgical procedure that presents many technical challenges. The recent integration of computer engineering and advanced surgical techniques has greatly improved outcomes in maxillofacial reconstruction. Data collected from pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) radiographs can be processed to help surgeons create a “diagnostic blueprint” of an injury prior to surgery. Additional computer engineered technologies such as virtual surgical planning (VSP), computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) custom implants, and intra-operative image guided surgical navigation further support improved surgical outcomes. Although these technologies represent the forefront of the synthesis between information technology and surgery, future refinements are required before widespread utilization is possible in all aspects of craniofacial surgery.