Application of Virtual Surgical Planning with Computer Assisted Design and Manufacturing Technology to Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

Computer aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology today is the standardin manufacturing industry. The application of the CAD/CAM technology, together withthe emerging 3D medical images based virtual surgical planning (VSP) technology, tocraniomaxillofacial reconstruction has been gaining increasing attention to reconstructivesurgeons. This article illustrates the components, system and clinical management of theVSP and CAD/CAM technology including: data acquisition, virtual surgical and treatmentplanning, individual implant design and fabrication, and outcome assessment. It focusesprimarily on the technical aspects of the VSP and CAD/CAM system to improve thepredictability of the planning and outcome.