Abstract
With advancements in computer systems, computer graphics and medical imaging technologies, clinicians strive for a personalised approach to patient treatment. Therefore, the production of personalised surgical guides is becoming standard. While proprietary software solutions for mandibular reconstruction planning exist, they are often not available due to their high costs. There are multiple alternative methods available, which utilise open-source technologies and free software, but they use advanced three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) concepts. The goal of this article is to provide end-users (surgeons, radiologists, or radiology technicians) with a tool that offers an intuitive interface and a simple workflow. The tool provides only the necessary methods offering a high degree of automation and abstracting the underlying 3D CAD concepts. This is accomplished by providing an add-on (written in Python) for a free and open-source software package Blender.
Highlights
The osteocutaneous free flap was first described by Taylor and his co-workers to treat a defect of the mandible in 1979 [1]
Restoring facial contour after tumour resection is one of the main goals after ablative surgery, and fitting osteotomies is integral in the process
Osteotomies would be decided in the operating room making the work less precise and more time-consuming [2]
Summary
An intuitive add-on for open-source software Blender enables a reliable method for fast and accurate personalised surgical guide generation and visualisation. An open-source tool brings expensive technology closer to medical institutions and healthcare professionals with lower budgets, improving surgery outcomes and reducing overall healthcare costs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
