Optimized Cranial Bandeau Remodeling

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel optimization model and algorithms for cranial bandeau remodeling surgery, aiming to improve precision in incision placement for treating craniosynostosis, a condition affecting infant skull development.

Contribution

It is the first to develop optimization models specifically for craniofacial surgery, providing efficient algorithms for incision placement and analyzing problem complexity.

Findings

Developed a precise optimization model for cranial remodeling.

Created efficient algorithms for optimal incision placement.

Proved computational hardness for more complex variants.

Abstract

Craniosynostosis, a condition affecting 1 in 2000 infants, is caused by premature fusing of cranial vault sutures, and manifests itself in abnormal skull growth patterns. Left untreated, the condition may lead to severe developmental impairment. Standard practice is to apply corrective cranial bandeau remodeling surgery in the first year of the infant's life. The most frequent type of surgery involves the removal of the so-called fronto-orbital bar from the patient's forehead and the cutting of well-placed incisions to reshape the skull in order to obtain the desired result. In this paper, we propose a precise optimization model for the above cranial bandeau remodeling problem and its variants. We have developed efficient algorithms that solve best incision placement, and show hardness for more general cases in the class. To the best of our knowledge this paper is the first to introduce optimization models for craniofacial surgery applications.