Preoperative Planning of Surgical Treatment with the Use of 3D Visualization and Finite Element Method

This chapter describes a method of engineering support of preoperative planning of surgical procedures with the use of engineering tools, such as state-of-the-art software for medical image processing, or a finite element method. The procedure of pre-operative planning consists in matching individual cases of incision sites and directions, visualization and selection of areas for resection as well as planning the technique of implant positioning and fixation. Also, the final visualization of the result of the planned medical procedure can be performed. This paper presents procedural propositions in surgery planning in the cases of corrections of the head shape in patients with craniosynostosis, corrections of the chest deformity such as pigeon chest and stabilization of the lumbar spine. 3D models created on the basis of computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enabled it to conduct a biomechanical analysis as well as an objective quantitative and qualitative virtual evaluation of the surgical procedure. Preoperative planning support gives the physician an opportunity to prepare for the operation in a better way, which results in the selection of the best possible variant of an operative technique, reduction of time of the surgical procedure and minimization of the risk of intraoperative complications.