Pilot Study Evaluating Augmented Reality Craniotomy Guides for Fronto-Orbital Advancement.

Area of Science:

• Craniomaxillofacial surgery
• Medical imaging
• Surgical technology

Background:

• Augmented reality (AR) is a promising alternative to 3D-printed guides in craniomaxillofacial surgery.
• Conventional 3D-printed guides are standard for procedures like fronto-orbital advancement (FOA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of AR craniotomy guides compared to 3D-printed guides for FOA.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective comparative study using 3D-printed skull models from 9 patients.
• A novel AR application projected guides onto models for comparison with 3D-printed guides.
• Discrepancy measurements at 8 reference points (nasofrontal, zygomaticofrontal, barrel stave, tenon extension).

Main Results:

• Mean discrepancies for anterior points (nasofrontal, zygomaticofrontal) ranged from 0.31 to 0.61 mm.
• Mean discrepancies for posterior points (barrel stave, tenon extension) ranged from 1.39 to 3.28 mm.
• No statistically significant difference in accuracy was found between AR and 3D-printed guides at any reference point.

Conclusions:

• AR craniotomy guides demonstrated high accuracy, especially at anterior landmarks.
• AR guides are feasible as an in-vitro alternative to 3D-printed guides for FOA.
• Further research is needed for cadaver models and improved posterior landmark precision.