Tracking Accuracy of a Stereo Camera-Based Augmented Reality Navigation System for Orthognathic Surgery

Tracking accuracy is critical to successful augmented reality (AR) in the diagnosis and surgical correction of maxillofacial deformities. The present study investigated the tracking accuracy of an AR navigation system combined with a stereo camera during repositioning of the maxilla after a Le Fort I osteotomy using a 3-dimensional skull model and compared the tracking accuracy with that of an existing infrared (IR)-based optical tracking system (OTS).

Five maxillary surgery plans were designed using a 6 degrees-of-freedom articulator that allowed maxillary movement to be set up quantitatively (target distance, 5 mm). To evaluate the accuracy of the stereo camera AR navigation system, it was compared with a commercially available and commonly used IR-based OTS.

The mean error was 0.0584 mm in the IR-based OTS and 0.0596 mm in the AR navigation system. The mean accuracy was 98.83% in the IR-based OTS and 98.81% in the AR navigation system.

In this study, the stereo camera-based AR navigation system fabricated and analyzed by the authors was designed for accuracy. The experiments showed its reliability and accuracy. The hardware developed for this AR navigation system displayed accuracy similar to that of existing high-cost imported devices at a substantially lower cost. In addition to surgery, potential applications of the AR navigation system include patient communication and training for novice clinicians.