BACKGROUND: Complex posttraumatic malpositions of the orbital walls require repositioning osteotomy. Computer tomography, stereolithography models and tele-X-rays are used in planning. However, the precision achieved in the planning phase could not so far be translated to patients (1). The Surgical Segment Navigator SSN is the first highly precise computer-assisted system to transfer laboratory planning data concerning the repositioning osteotomy of orbital walls to a surgical site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SSN is based on infrared technology such as the Surgical Tool Navigator STN and the Surgical Microscope Navigator SMN manufactured by Carl Zeiss. Laboratory planning data are transferred to the surgical site by measurements with infrared transmitters which are checked by an infrared camera. RESULTS: A surgical planning can be carried out exactly using the Surgical Segment Navigator. Moreover, the SSN displays hidden levels of an extensive bone segment which are not visible via a bicoronary approach (e.g. orbital floor and facial wall of the maxillary sinus) clearly on monitor and helps to navigate the complete segment. CONCLUSIONS: The Surgical Segment Navigator is the first computer-assisted system for highly precise repositioning osteotomy of the orbital walls.
BACKGROUND: Complex posttraumatic malpositions of the orbital walls require repositioning osteotomy. Computer tomography, stereolithography models and tele-X-rays are used in planning. However, the precision achieved in the planning phase could not so far be translated to patients (1). The Surgical Segment Navigator SSN is the first highly precise computer-assisted system to transfer laboratory planning data concerning the repositioning osteotomy of orbital walls to a surgical site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SSN is based on infrared technology such as the Surgical Tool Navigator STN and the Surgical Microscope Navigator SMN manufactured by Carl Zeiss. Laboratory planning data are transferred to the surgical site by measurements with infrared transmitters which are checked by an infrared camera. RESULTS: A surgical planning can be carried out exactly using the Surgical Segment Navigator. Moreover, the SSN displays hidden levels of an extensive bone segment which are not visible via a bicoronary approach (e.g. orbital floor and facial wall of the maxillary sinus) clearly on monitor and helps to navigate the complete segment. CONCLUSIONS: The Surgical Segment Navigator is the first computer-assisted system for highly precise repositioning osteotomy of the orbital walls.