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Marker-free registration for intraoperative navigation using the transverse palatal rugae
Daniel G E Thiem1, Lukas Seifert2, Julian Graef1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Summary
This study introduces a novel marker-free registration technique for navigation-assisted surgery in edentulous patients. Utilizing palatal rugae, this method enhances accuracy and avoids invasive markers, improving treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Navigation
- Dental Anatomy
Background:
- Accurate registration is crucial for navigation-assisted surgery, matching patient space coordinates with medical images.
- Marker-based techniques often require invasive procedures and radiography.
- Marker-free methods in edentulous patients typically lack accuracy and reproducibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel marker-free registration method for navigation-assisted surgery.
- To utilize transverse palatal rugae as registration structures in edentulous patients.
- To improve accuracy and reproducibility in surgical navigation for edentulous cases.
Main Methods:
- Segmentation of bone and palatal mucosa from 3D imaging (DICOM).
- Intraoral scan (IOS) data transferred to 3D imaging via Iterative-Closest-Point-Algorithm (ICP).
- Digital registration points created in IOS-STL, transformed to DICOM (IOS-DICOM) for alignment and correlation.
Main Results:
- Achieved a Fiducial Localization Error of 0.48 mm.
- Achieved a Target Registration Error of 0.65 mm.
- Errors are comparable to established tooth-supported registration methods.
Conclusions:
- The proposed marker-free registration using palatal rugae offers a viable alternative for navigation-assisted surgery.
- This technique can enhance treatment for edentulous patients.
- It avoids the need for additional imaging and invasive marker insertion.
