Enhanced clinical assessment of Orofacial Clefts using interactive 3D visualization from Cinematic Rendering

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• 3D Visualization
• Craniofacial Surgery

Background:

• Orofacial clefts (OFCs) create complex dental and bony anatomy requiring advanced imaging.
• Cross-sectional imaging is crucial for orthodontic treatment and surgical repair of OFCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize cinematic rendering (CR) settings for visualizing midface and dental anatomy in OFCs.
• To adapt CR for specific 3D visualization needs in patients with cleft lip, alveolus, and palate (CLP).

Main Methods:

• Cinematic rendering (CR) applied to DICOM datasets from three types of OFCs (right CLP, left CLP, bilateral CLP).
• Refinement of custom rendering presets for optimal visualization of upper and lower jaw anatomy.
• Utilized a soft kernel for natural image impression, with options for higher detail using elevated CT doses and thinner slices.

Main Results:

• CR successfully visualized hard palate, cleft area, and adjacent dentition in OFC patients.
• Optimized CR settings provided detailed 3D imaging of complex craniofacial structures.
• The soft kernel setting yielded the most natural image appearance.

Conclusions:

• Cinematic rendering is a valuable tool for detailed 3D visualization in orofacial clefts.
• Optimized CR settings improve the understanding of complex anatomy for treatment planning.
• This technique offers a novel approach to imaging for OFC patients.