For Professionals
Virtual surgical planning – possibilities and limits.
Virtual 3D planning uses image data to simulate procedures in advance and – depending on the method – to derive patient-specific guides or models. It can support planning, but does not replace intraoperative judgement and clinical experience. Whether and to what extent it is used is decided individually by the centre.
From cross-sectional images, anatomical relationships can be represented three-dimensionally, procedures simulated and – for certain methods – cutting guides or repositioning prepared. This can make preparation more precise and ease team communication.
The specific benefit depends on diagnosis, method and availability.
A plan is only as good as the underlying data. Intraoperative adjustments may be necessary; clinical judgement and experience remain decisive. The additional effort must be weighed against the expected benefit.
That virtual planning can support the preparation of certain procedures is established.
Benefit and role depend strongly on method, case and centre.
Robust proof of a clinical added benefit varies by application and is the subject of ongoing research.
It can represent anatomical relationships three-dimensionally, simulate procedures and, for certain methods, make preparation more precise. The benefit depends on diagnosis and method.
No. It supports planning but does not replace intraoperative judgement and clinical experience. Adjustments during surgery may be necessary.
No. Whether and to what extent is decided individually by the centre according to diagnosis, method and availability.