Use of three-dimensional, CAD/CAM-assisted, virtual surgical simulation and planning in the pediatric craniofacial population.

OBJECTIVE: Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) have recently helped improve efficiency and accuracy in many different craniofacial surgeries. Research has mainly focused on the use in the adult population with the exception of the use for mandibular distractions and cranial vault remodeling in the pediatric population. This study aims to elucidate the role of VSP and CAD/CAM in complex pediatric craniofacial cases by exploring its use in the correction of midface hypoplasia, orbital dystopia, mandibular reconstruction, and posterior cranial vault expansion.

METHOD/DESCRIPTION: A retrospective analysis of thirteen patients who underwent 3d, CAD/CAM- assisted preoperative surgical planning between 2012 and 2016 was performed. All CAD/CAM assisted surgical planning was done in conjunction with a third party vendor (either 3D Systems or Materialise). Cutting and positioning guides as well as models were produced based on the virtual plan. Surgeries included free fibula mandible reconstruction (n = 4), lefort I osteotomy and distraction (n = 2), lefort II osteotomy with monobloc distraction (n = 1), expansion of the posterior vault for correction of chiari malformation (n = 3), and secondary orbital and midface reconstruction for facial trauma (n = 3). The patient's age, diagnosis, previous surgeries, length of operating time, complications, and post-surgery satisfaction were determined.

RESULTS: In all cases we found presurgical planning was helpful to improve accuracy and significantly decrease intra-operative time. In cases where distraction was used, the planned and actual vectors were found to be accurate with excellent clinical outcomes. There were no complications except for one patient who experienced a wound infection post-operatively which did not alter the ultimate reconstruction. All patients experienced high satisfaction with their outcomes and excellent subjective aesthetic results were achieved.

CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative planning using CAD/CAM and VSP allows for safe and precise craniofacial reconstruction in complex pediatric cases with a reduction of operative time.