Virtual Surgical Planning in Craniofacial Surgery

Virtual surgical planning (VSP) represents a recent advancement in craniofacial surgery, offering more precision, efficiency, and customization in addressing complex anatomical challenges. By incorporating technologies such as finite element modeling (FEM), patient-specific implants (PSI), computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and augmented reality (AR), VSP has redefined the preoperative workflow and the postoperative outcomes. These tools enable surgeons to create highly detailed virtual reconstructions of a patient’s craniofacial anatomy, facilitating the visualization and simulation of surgical procedures with a level of accuracy that was previously unattainable. In pediatric craniofacial surgery, where conditions like craniosynostosis demand meticulous intervention to correct deformities and preserve function, VSP proves especially valuable. It allows for the development of patient-specific strategies, including tailored osteotomy patterns and reconstructions, significantly reducing intraoperative variability and improving postoperative outcomes. Technologies like FEM and PSI support biomechanical analysis and the creation of implants optimized for the patient’s anatomy and functional needs. Similarly, CAD/CAM systems streamline the production of surgical guides and implants, ensuring consistency and precision during execution. Augmented reality further enhances the surgical process by overlaying virtual models and trajectories onto the operative field, improving spatial understanding and real-time decision-making. This chapter delves into the integration of these technologies within VSP, highlighting their role in enhancing surgical accuracy, reducing intraoperative complications, and improving long-term patient outcomes. By reflecting on the current state of the art and identifying opportunities for further innovation, this discussion underscores VSP as an indispensable tool in modern craniofacial surgery.