New methods to evaluate craniofacial deformity and to plan surgical correction

The success of craniomaxillofacial surgery depends not only on surgical techniques but also upon an accurate surgical planning. Unfortunately, traditional planning methods are often inadequate for planning complex craniomaxillofacial deformities. To this end, we developed a 3D computer-aided surgical simulation (CASS) technique. By using our CASS method, we are able to treat patients with significant asymmetries in a single operation that in the past was usually completed in 2 stages. The purpose of this article is to introduce our CASS method in evaluating craniofacial deformities and planning surgical correction. In addition, we discuss the problems associated with the traditional surgical planning methods. Finally, we discuss the strength and pitfalls of using 3D measurements to evaluate craniofacial deformity.