The Preliminary Application of Augmented Reality in Unilateral Orbitozygomatic Maxillary Complex Fractures Treatment

Purpose: Try to apply augmented reality (AR) technique which based on visual recognition artificial marks in the treatment of unilateral Orbitozygomatic Maxillary complex fractures (OZMF), and to explore the feasibility and the application value of the AR for assisting the oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) treatment. Methods: Based on the AR application JSARToolKit developed on the web, and combining with the self-designed tooth-borne type visual recognition artificial marks to display three-dimensional (3D) image of the region of interest (ROI), virtually designed the position and direction of plate on the jaw and helped OZMF surgery. According to some results to evaluate the postoperative effects, such as imaging, occlusion, facial appearance recovery, patients’ satisfaction and operation time. Results: The AR achieved the 3D image of ROI in real time, satisfied information enhancement of real scene, broadened the surgeon's horizons and improved the 3D recognition ability of maxillofacial tissue. After operation, patients had no discomforts, fracture reduction were well healed through imaging examination, and the titanium plate position was consistent with the preoperative planning. What is more, patients’ facial appearance and occlusal function recovered well, significantly shorten the intraoperation time. Conclusion: Augmented reality technology is an effective method for OZMF treatment but there are still many technical difficulties which need to be get over, and its application in maxillofacial surgery and relevant basic theories are both worth further exploring.