Abstract: Objective To explore the application of computer-assisted navigation in naso-orbital-ethmoid fracture surgery. Methods Sixty-two patients, comprising 21 patients with orbital margin fracture, 3 patients with frontal bone fracture, 15 patients with maxillary fracture, and 23 patients with compoud naso-orbital-ethmoid fracture, were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography(CT)scans were obtained and data were stored in the digital imaging and communications in medicine(DICOM)format. A morphological reconstruction was made and displayed using preoperative simulation with mirroring procedures. All operations were performed under the guidance of a navigation system. The accuracy of navigation was evaluated by comparing the postoperative CT three-dimensional model with the preoperative surgical planning. Results Through registration, an accurate match between the intraoperative anatomy and the CT images was achieved. The systematic error evaluated by a computer was within a 1 mm margin. All operations were performed successfully with the guidance of real-time navigation. All patients recovered uneventfully and profile was improved significantly. Conclusion With the opportunity to perform preoperative planning and surgical simulation, computer-assisted navigation shows great value in improving the accuracy of naso-orbital-ethmoid fracture surgery, reducing risk during operation and the incidence of secondary surgery, and restoring facial symmetry.

Key words: Computer-assisted design, Naso-orbital-ethmoid fracture, Navigation system