The third dimension of facial surgery (imaging, planning and evaluation) (10315)

The human head consists of different types of structures, i.e. soft tissue (skin, muscles, etc.), bony tissue (skull), and teeth. All three of them are of major importance in the analysis and planning of oral and maxillofacial (OMF) surgery and its adjunctive orthodontic therapy.

The state-of-the-art diagnostic tools in OMF surgery and pre-operative orthodontic treatment are mainly two-dimensional (2D) and have as a consequence limitations in describing the three-dimensional (3D) structures and problems. New 3D techniques have been introduced and their role as potential routine imaging techniques has been discussed. The proposed project will provide the missing third dimension in the analysis, treatment planning, prediction and carrying out of the orthognathic, cleft lip and palate (CLP) and craniofacial surgery and preceding orthodontic therapy with regard to the soft and bony tissues and the teeth. The relevance of this 3D project is based on the emergence of 3D instead of 2D acquisition and visualisation systems in order to improve clinical documentation, treatment planning and prediction of surgical and orthodontic outcome, which lead to improvement of the treatment itself.