Evaluating the zygoma shape changes in maxillo-facial surgeries - A 3D methodology

In recent past, 3D methodologies have been introduced in medicine to enhance the standard diagnostic technologies. Particularly, it was gave a great importance to 3D prediction in support to maxillo-facial surgical planning; maxillo-facial surgeons expressed the necessity to preview the effects of bony movement in corrective surgery on the soft tissue, especially concerning the “involuntary soft tissue displacements”. We decided to work on 3D surgical prediction cause it offers an aid to the surgeons in the planning of the intervention in a more accurate and conscious manner; notwithstanding software developed for this matter already exist, no one can give a reliable prevision of the real outcome of patients underwent corrective surgery according to the surgeons. Our purpose is to develop a 3D prediction method able to satisfy surgeons’ necessities. Basing on several studies on 3D simulation method, this thesis evaluates mathematically the changes of the zygomatic area of post-operative trying to help surgeons in previewing unintentional soft tissue displacements due to operation. In particular, we calculate surface, volume and other features of a specific area identified by practioners; a sample of 7 patients were analyzed. This thesis has been compiled in collaboration with surgeons of the team of the Department of Maxillo-Facial surgery of Turin’s hospital A.O.U. Città della salute e della scienza di Torino “Molinette”.