Computer Assisted Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction

Ablative tumor surgery, orbital and mid face reconstruction as much as skull base surgery requires detailed planning using CT or MRI. Reconstruction is depending on reliable information to choose correct type of grafts and to predict the outcome. This study evaluates the benefit and the indications of computer assisted surgery in the treatment of cranio-maxillofacial surgery.Based on a CT or MRI data set an optical navigation system was used for preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation and postoperative control. Surgery was preoperatively planned and intraoperatively navigated. Preoperatively required soft and hard tissue was measured using the mirrored data set of the unaffected side; size and location of the graft were chosen virtually. Intraoperatively contours of transplanted tissues were navigated to the preoperatively simulated reconstructive result.Computer assisted treatment was successfully completed in all cases (n=107). Preoperatively outlined safety margins could be exactly controlled during tumor resection. Reconstruction was designed and performed precisely as virtually planned. Image guided treatment improves preoperative planning by visualization of the individual anatomy, intended reconstructive outcome and by objectivation the effect of adjuvant therapy. Intraoperative navigation makes tumor and reconstructive surgery more reliable by showing the safety margins, saving vital structures and leading reconstruction to preplanned objectives

In vitro biomechanical comparison of the effect of pattern, inclination, and size of positional screws on load resistance for bilateral sagittal split osteotomy

The purpose of this in vitro investigation was to determine whether the pattern, angle of placement, or size of positional screws affected their ability to resist vertical loads resembling mastication in the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy system

En route to intelligent wood machining – current situation and future perspectives

Wood materials are an important part of our daily life. Besides furniture, doors and window elements, parquet floors, veneering, ply wood, chip- and fibreboards, also structural elements for buildings are typical products. Due to the specific properties, variety and complexity of natural wood, wood materials and wood composites, the machining of parts made out of these materials exhibits specific challenges. In order to further improve productivity, quality and efficiency in wood machining, innovative solutions with respect to tool technology, process planning, machinery, process monitoring and intelligent control are necessary. This keynote paper reviews and summarizes scientific developments in wood machining in recent years. Furthermore, exemplary current an ongoing research activities are introduced. Finally, the paper presents and discusses future potentials regarding new approaches for intelligent process control in wood machining