A computer-based surgery planning and simulation for the prediction of 3D postoperative facial soft tissue using finite element analysis

Abstract

This paper will present our work on the planning and simulation of postoperative facial soft tissue prediction in the area of orthognathic surgery. We combine different methods of image processing, geometrical modeling and finite element analysis to predict and simulate the postoperative facial appearance of a malformed faced patient. Our approach is based on surface-based triangulation of the finite element method. The surgical planning system describes various preprocessing steps for the generation of 3D facial model and the surgery planning procedures involved. A number of procedures are highlighted during the preparation of facial model before the finite element analysis initiates. The prediction of the facial soft tissue is described based on finite element analysis through mathematical formulation by employing the linear elastic model. The surgical simulation results are shown, validated and discussed.