Augmented reality–assisted craniofacial reconstruction in skull base lesions - an innovative technique for single-step resection and cranioplasty in neurosurgery

Abstract: Defects of the cranial vault often require cosmetic reconstruction with patient-specific implants, particularly in cases of craniofacial involvement. However, fabrication takes time and is expensive; therefore, efforts must be made to develop more rapidly available and more cost-effective alternatives. The current study investigated the feasibility of an augmented reality (AR)–assisted single-step procedure for repairing bony defects involving the facial skeleton and the skull base. In an experimental setting, nine neurosurgeons fabricated AR-assisted and conventionally shaped (“freehand”) implants from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) on a skull model with a craniofacial bony defect. Deviations of the surface profile in comparison with the original model were quantified by means of volumetry, and the cosmetic results were evaluated using a multicomponent scoring system, each by two blinded neurosurgeons. Handling the AR equipment proved to be quite comfortable. The median volume deviating from the surface profile of the original model was low in the AR-assisted implants (6.40 cm3) and significantly reduced in comparison with the conventionally shaped implants (13.48 cm3). The cosmetic appearance of the AR-assisted implants was rated as very good (median 25.00 out of 30 points) and significantly improved in comparison with the conventionally shaped implants (median 14.75 out of 30 points). Our experiments showed outstanding results regarding the possibilities of AR-assisted procedures for single-step reconstruction of craniofacial defects. Although patient-specific implants still represent the gold standard in esthetic aspects, AR-assisted procedures hold high potential for an immediately and widely available, cost-effective alternative providing excellent cosmetic outcomes

Location
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
Extent
Online-Ressource
Language
Englisch
Notes
Neurosurgical review. - 45, 4 (2022) , 2745-2755, ISSN: 1437-2320

Event
Veröffentlichung
(where)
Freiburg
(who)
Universität
(when)
2022
Creator

DOI
10.1007/s10143-022-01784-6
URN
urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-2266286
Rights
Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
Last update
25.03.2025, 1:44 PM CET

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Associated

Time of origin

  • 2022

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