TUTORIAL
Virtual Planning for Orthognathic Surgery with Mimics Enlight CMF
17 min
Video
Description
This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to 3D plan for orthognathic surgery using Mimics Enlight CMF. Learn to create 3D models, perform virtual osteotomies, set occlusion, and design splints. This guide is ideal for maxillofacial surgeons and orthodontists seeking to master digital surgical planning and gain flexibility, confidence, and control to plan each case efficiently — no matter its complexity.
Timestamps
No time to watch the complete video? Use the timestamps below to jump to the topic you're interested in.
- Importing images0:20
- Preparing the anatomy1:47
- Request automatic segmentation3:09
- Designing the composite models3:58
- Trace the nerves6:10
- Setting the natural head position7:38
- Creating cephalometric analysis8:30
- Planning the osteotomy9:15
- Planning the occlusion12:00
- Repositioning the anatomy13:17
- Designing the splint15:35
- Exporting the plan17:30
Instructions
Preparing the anatomy
- Importing images
- Click on 'From Images' and locate the directory with the DICOM images
- Select the images to see a preview of the series
- Click 'Open' to continue with the selected images
- Click 'Orthognathic Planner' to start planning
- (Optional) Check DICOM information by right-clicking on the image series and selecting 'Image Information'
- Segmenting the skull
- Click on the skull option
- Adjust the threshold if necessary (default is set for bone tissue)
- Click 'Apply' to continue
- Use the Erase tool to remove any unwanted voxels in 2D or 3D
- Click 'Finish' to generate the 3D skull model
- Segmenting the soft tissue
- Repeat the steps for soft tissue segmentation
- Use the Erase tool to remove artifacts like the chin rest
Requesting automatic segmentation
- Load the images
- Click on 'From Images' and locate the directory with the DICOM images of the skull
- Log in to the Mimics Flow platform by clicking the button in the top right corner of the window.
- Fill out the ‘Title’ field with a name for the case and, optionally, fill out the remaining information
- Click on ‘Create case and request segmentation’
- Select the corresponding algorithm. In this case, select ‘CMF Orthognathic’
- Click ‘Request segmentation’
- Open the case once it’s done
- Click on ‘Sync and open’ in the pop-up window after the automatic segmentation has finished.
Positioning the composite models
- Importing the cast models
- Click on 'Maxilla' and import the STL file of the maxilla cast
- Repeat for the mandible
- Aligning the casts to the skull
- Place 3 corresponding points on the casts and the skull for initial alignment
- Let the software complete the precise alignment
- (Optional) Manually adjust the alignment if necessary
- Separating the mandible
- Allow the software to automatically separate the mandible from the skull
- (Optional) Manually adjust the split if required
- Drag the red control points to indicate where the teeth need to be replaced
(Optional) Identifying the nerves
- Place points on the mental foramen and mandibular foramen to re-slice the image
- Trace the nerve by placing points along the nerve canal
- Repeat for both sides
Setting the natural head position
- Indicate the Frankfurt horizontal plane:
- Place points in each ear canal
- Place points on the inferior border of each orbit
- Adjust the position of the skull in the three orthogonal views
Creating cephalometric analysis
- Place anatomical landmarks as prompted by the software
- Review and adjust points if necessary
Planning the osteotomy
- Le Fort One osteotomy
- Place 4 points as instructed by the left panel to generate the osteotomy plane
- Adjust the shape using the red control points if needed
- Click 'Split' to perform the cut, then 'Finish'
- Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO)
- Start from the right SSO and place points as instructed to generate the osteotomy plane
- Adjust control points if necessary, then click 'Split'
- Repeat the same for the contralateral side
Placing the occlusion
- Import the 3D model (STL file) of the occlusion cast
- Register the mandible and maxilla of the composite models to the mandible and maxilla of the occlusion cast by placing 3 corresponding points
- Let the software complete the registration
Repositioning the anatomy
- Click ‘Move’ in the control panel
- Select the parts you want to move in the 3D viewports
- Use the interactive coordinate system to move parts
- Monitor measurements in the right panel
- Visualize soft tissue changes by clicking the eye icon next to 'Soft tissue'
Designing the splint
- Select the type of splint (intermediate or final)
- Indicate the outline of the splint by placing points
- Generate the splint shape and edit if necessary by dragging the edges
- (Optional) Add wiring holes:
- Specify diameter
- Click to place holes
- Click ‘Finalize Splint’ to put a label on the splint
- Set the parameters and fill out the text of the label before positioning it on the splint
Exporting the plan
- Export 3D models as STL files
- Export cephalometry analysis as a CSV file
- Export the natural head position as an XML file
- Export a report in PowerPoint format
- Review the comparison between the preoperative situation and the planned outcome
Note: This workflow is for demonstration purposes. Always consult with a trained healthcare professional for actual surgical planning.
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