Stereotactic removal of foreign bodies in the maxillofacial area

A technique is described for making it possible to localize any deep-seated radiopaque foreign body in the soft tissues and skeleton of the maxillofacial area. Using a stereotactic guide system, any point in the facial skeleton can be reached exactly, with precalculated precision, from any point outside the face. Thus, a foreign body can be exposed and subsequently removed by a surgical approach that gives minimal discomfort and carries low risk. The target probe serves the surgeon as a guide bar whilst the tissue is dissected. A precondition of successful stereotactic operations in the head and neck area is close cooperation between neurosurgeons and maxillofacial surgeons.