Craniomaxillofacial research
Within the Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory and the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeryat Sunnybrook, we have been exploring improved image processing and modeling techniques to better understand the biomechanics of the craniomaxillo facial skeleton (CMFS). Specifically, the lab has published new approaches for segmenting and deblurring head CT data to generate more accurate visualization and segmentation of thin bone structures. An improved pipeline for CMFSCT image analysis was developed and has been applied to experimentally validated finite element models which have changed our fundamental understanding of load transmission in the CMFS. This work has also yielded a drastically improved work flow for the generation of templates for intraoperative formation of CMF mesh implants, via custom software tools and pipelines implemented within an open source platform, 3D Slicer .Grant-funded work conducted in collaboration with Calavera Surgical Design (a Sunnybrook start-up company) has improved the efficacy of pre-operative planning for CMF skeletal reconstruction and is in clinical use today. Our (ongoing) work has been extended to the development of a computer-assisted pipeline for intra-operative CMF skeletal and soft tissue reconstruction. Our work has also led to novel CMF device design, including the development of “Bone Tape” (US patent 61/677,290).
