Computer aided surgical reconstruction after complex facial burn injuries – opportunities and limitations

In severe facial burn injuries with extensive destruction of anatomical structures, cosmetic and functional outcome of treatment are frequently not satisfactory. Although operative therapy is being continuously refined, the variety and proximity of structures in the facial region is considered a major challenge in reconstructive surgery. We present the case of a 16-year-old patient with a severe facial burn injury. In planning the reconstructive procedures, we used a multimodal approach employing data from computerized tomography imaging, as well as from surface laser scanning, which provided three-dimensional visualization of facial soft tissues. Amount and pattern of structural loss could thus be determined more precisely and studied more vividly than by inspection of two-dimensional imaging alone. Anatomical features to be reconstructed could be projected onto the skin area of the prelaminated vertical rectus abdominis muscle (VRAM) flap that has been chosen to cover the defect. Prior to surgery, correction of the defects was simulated and the results of the virtual procedure superimposed on a three-dimensional head model of the patient. Tissue elasticity and thickness of the flap, however, could not be ascertained in advance, indicating the limitations of the method.