Computer-Assisted Image Guided Surgery in Craniofacial Prosthetic Rehabilitation

The incorporation of advanced digital technology has enhanced both surgical and prosthetic treatment outcomes for patients seeking head and neck reconstruction after losing a portion of their facial anatomy due to trauma, surgical resection of a cancerous tumor, or congenital malformation. A facial prosthesis is one reconstructive option available to patients. Custom facial prostheses are fabricated out of flexible silicone, and created to mimic the missing anatomical form as well as the individual’s skin pigmentation and unique characteristics. The removable prostheses can be retained to the patient’s face through craniofacial bone anchored implant retention. A successful prosthetic restoration entails reliable interdisciplinary team communication and skills of the surgeon and anaplastologist. Thorough preoperative planning using patient specific radiographic data is necessary in order to identify implant locations that would maximize bone contact and enhance cosmetic outcomes. Computer assisted image guided surgery platforms allow the team to precisely plan the procedure in a virtual environment as well as transfer that precision plan into the operating room through use of navigational technology. This use of “GPS in the operating room” has enhanced pre-surgical planning, allowed intraoperative positioning of implants to be based on the proposed prosthetic result, and made both clinical and surgical procedures more accurate and efficient thus leading to a more predictable treatment outcome.