3D Virtual Planning for Rhinoplasty Using a Free Add-On for Open-Source Software

Overview

Three dimensional technology has been introduced to help with rhinoplasty planning and with communication between surgeon and patient, but dedicated planning software is expensive. This study presents a low cost method using Blender, a free open source graphics program, together with RhinOnBlender, an add on developed specifically for rhinoplasty. The photogrammetry protocol for capturing the face is described.

Sections of note

• Preliminary report describing three cases.
• Free software Blender was used with the RhinOnBlender add on.
• The photogrammetry protocol can be performed with a smartphone and is described in detail, along with all the planning steps.
• The software and add on automated the process, which the authors state makes it accessible to surgeons unfamiliar with graphic design software.
• The surgeries were uneventful in all cases.
• The authors state patients were satisfied with the outcomes.

What it means for a patient

• Three dimensional planning lets a surgeon show a simulated result before surgery, which is a communication tool rather than a promise.
• Photographs for this method can be taken with an ordinary smartphone rather than a scanner.
• Three cases with no measurement of accuracy or satisfaction is a demonstration, not evidence.
• Nothing here shows that simulated results match surgical results.

Why this paper matters

Simulation is increasingly used in rhinoplasty consultation, and commercial systems put it out of reach for many practices. This report shows the workflow can be built from free tools. Whether the simulations are accurate, and whether they change patient expectations or satisfaction, is untested.

Terms

• Photogrammetry: building a three dimensional model from a set of ordinary photographs.
• Open source software: software whose code is publicly available and free to use.
• Add on: an extra module that adds functions to an existing program.
• Virtual planning: designing the operation on a digital model before surgery.
• Preliminary report: an early publication describing a method before formal evaluation.