Validation Methods for Soft Tissue Prediction in Maxillofacial Planning Environments

Before a maxillofacial surgical procedure, patients want mirror-like images of the probable outcome.Imp ortant research activities try to predict 3D soft tissue changes based on the skeletal changes.Ma jor attention was paid on the biomechanical properties of soft tissues at a certain time instance.(Non-)linear mass-spring and FE models are developed [1–3].Bu t, what accuracy is obtained by a current soft tissue model? What improvements are needed? Some validation methods for soft tissue deformation prediction are investigated.