📄 Abstract
Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction based on computed tomography (CT) has become an essential tool for the evaluation and surgical planning of complex traumatic injuries. By providing detailed visualization of fracture morphology and spatial relationships, it enhances diagnostic accuracy and supports individualized preoperative planning in both maxillofacial and orthopedic trauma. Objective: To compare the current scientific evidence regarding the use of CT-based 3D reconstruction in the surgical planning of maxillofacial and orthopedic trauma, focusing on its impact on diagnostic accuracy, preoperative planning, surgical performance, and clinical outcomes. Methodology: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Original studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and observational studies published between 2015 and 2025 in English or Spanish were included. The selected studies evaluated the use of CT-based 3D reconstruction for preoperative planning in maxillofacial and orthopedic trauma. The evidence was comparatively analyzed according to diagnostic accuracy, surgical planning, operative time, anatomical reduction, 3D printing, and clinical outcomes. Results: The reviewed evidence indicates that CT-based 3D reconstruction significantly improves the understanding of complex fracture patterns and facilitates surgical decision-making. In maxillofacial trauma, it enhances the restoration of facial symmetry, occlusion, and functional outcomes through virtual planning and patient-specific implants. In orthopedic trauma, particularly in acetabular and pelvic fractures, it contributes to more accurate anatomical reduction, shorter operative time, reduced blood loss, and decreased fluoroscopy exposure. Integration with virtual surgical planning and 3D printing further improves surgical precision, although widespread implementation remains limited by costs and technological availability. Conclusions: CT-based 3D reconstruction is a valuable tool for optimizing surgical planning in maxillofacial and orthopedic trauma. Its integration with virtual planning, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence is expected to advance personalized surgery and improve clinical outcomes. However, further high-quality prospective studies are needed to strengthen the evidence supporting its long-term clinical benefits.
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📚 How to Cite:
Byron Estuardo Ávila Sanmartin, Mauro Alejandro Bolaños Liscano, Sara Gómez Galindo, Bryam Esteban Coello García , THREE-DIMENSIONAL CT RECONSTRUCTION IN SURGICAL PLANNING: IMAGING PRINCIPLES AND COMPARATIVE APPLICATIONS IN MAXILLOFACIAL AND ORTHOPEDIC TRAUMA , Volume 12 , Issue 7, July 2026, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) , Pages: 631 - 636 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra28712