A system for facial reconstruction using distraction and symmetry considerations

The goal of the system presented in this paper is to support several facial surgeries which are aiming to transform an unsymmetrical face to a symmetric one. There are two main techniques to achieve this goal: Distraction of the lower jaw and adding or removing tissue or bone at certain facial regions. Both planning tasks are done based on segmented CT or MRI data. The distraction of the lower jaw is simulated by cutting the jaw, moving it in 3D along a distraction axis and choosing a distractor for this procedure after determining, which is the best result. Furthermore we are working on consideration of soft tissue movement so the patient can see what he or she will look like after the surgery. For supporting implants in craniofacial surgery, we are proposing a tool based on symmetry considerations. Nowadays, if implants have to be fitted to the patient’s bone, they are handmade while the surgery is running. This is quite time consuming and it would be helpful to shorten this procedure by producing the implants preoperatively. Our System allows to determine regions where implants should be set and proposes an initial contour for the implants.