Virtual Incision Pattern Planning using Three-Dimensional Images for Optimization of Syndactyly Surgery.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Plastic Surgery
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Syndactyly, a congenital finger fusion, can impair hand function if untreated in infancy.
• Effective surgical correction requires precise preoperative planning to optimize hand function.
• Current surgical techniques aim for functional outcomes with minimal interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a virtual planning tool for desyndactyly surgery using 3D surface imaging.
• To assess the accuracy of transferring virtual incision designs to patient models via 3D printed templates.

Main Methods:

• A 3D surface imaging technique was employed to create virtual models of syndactyly.
• Virtual incision patterns were designed on 3D models of a silicon mold and three patient hands.
• 3D printed surgical templates were used to transfer virtual designs to physical models and patients.

Main Results:

• The virtual planning tool demonstrated accurate transfer of incision patterns from virtual to physical models (mean difference: 0.82 mm).
• Templates facilitated easy and accurate transfer of virtual incision patterns.
• Patient-specific virtual plans required minor intraoperative adjustments by the surgeon.

Conclusions:

• 3D imaging enables accurate virtual planning and template-guided transfer for desyndactyly surgery.
• This approach shows promise for improving preoperative planning in reconstructive hand surgery.
• Further research is needed to fully validate virtual planning for desyndactyly procedures.