Springer Nature has just published the Atlas of Virtual Surgical Planning and 3D Printing for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, an internationally recognized reference work that marks a milestone in the integration of technological innovation and the humanization of healthcare in the field of cranio-maxillofacial surgery. The book was edited by Dr. Alessandro Tel, a specialist in maxillofacial surgery at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Neurosciences at the University Hospital of Udine (Italy), and Dr. Massimo Robiony, Associate Professor of Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Udine and Head of the Maxillofacial Surgery Unit at the University Hospital of Udine.
The atlas is the result of years of work and collaboration among professionals from around the world who share a common vision: medicine as a constantly evolving science, with the human being as the priority. The editors call this approach Techno-Humanization, meaning the application of the full potential of technology—including artificial intelligence—to clinical practice, while always respecting ethics and reinforcing the human dimension of medical care.
In the specific field of head and neck surgery, virtual reality, 3D surgical planning, and biomodel printing have become essential tools for improving safety, precision, and communication with the patient. This atlas is intended to serve as both a didactic and practical guide to their advanced use.
One of the contributing authors is Dr. Josep Munuera, head of the Advanced Medical Imaging, Artificial Intelligence, and Image-Guided Therapy group at the Sant Pau Research Institute (IR Sant Pau), and Head of the Diagnostic Imaging Department at Hospital Sant Pau. His contribution focuses on the chapter dedicated to specific image acquisition protocols in radiology for virtual surgical planning and 3D printing in cranio-maxillofacial surgery. This section provides an in-depth review of the techniques, parameters, and considerations necessary to obtain images of the highest diagnostic and surgical quality.
As Dr. Munuera explains, “A proper choice of imaging technique and the correct configuration of acquisition parameters is the foundation that allows the surgeon to plan the surgery with total safety and precision.” He adds, “Teamwork between radiologists and surgeons is key: our decisions during the diagnostic phase directly determine the degree of precision and the outcome of the procedure.”
The chapter describes how medical imaging has evolved from X-rays and the introduction of CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to the current integration of artificial intelligence, 3D reconstruction, and additive manufacturing. These technologies not only enable realistic visualization of complex anatomical structures but also fuse data from different modalities to plan more personalized and safer procedures.
In cranio-maxillofacial surgery, where bone and soft tissue structures coexist in a small and delicate anatomical space, correct selection and configuration of the imaging technique—whether CT, CBCT, MRI, ultrasound, or optical scanning—is critical for surgical success. Each modality offers advantages and limitations: CT provides high spatial resolution for bone, MRI is irreplaceable for nerves, vessels, and soft tissues, CBCT stands out for its low radiation and high bone resolution, and 3D photogrammetry or intraoral scanning allow precise capture of the facial surface and dentition for integration into the surgical model.
The chapter also discusses the use of intraoperative imaging—such as CT or CBCT in the operating room, ultrasound, or fluorescence techniques—to verify in real time the placement of implants, facial symmetry, or flap perfusion. A substantial section is devoted to acquisition parameters adapted to each clinical indication, from fractures and tumors to congenital anomalies and joint pathology, as well as to advanced MRI sequences to obtain isotropic volumetric models.
3D reconstruction and segmentation play a central role, with methods that allow the isolation of bones, vessels, and soft tissues using semi-automatic algorithms or intelligent delineation tools, always prioritizing the quality of the original data. Dr. Munuera emphasizes that “standardizing protocols and minimizing artifacts are essential, as is aligning the acquisition with the surgery date to ensure maximum anatomical correspondence.”
The chapter also includes specific considerations for pediatric patients, prioritizing reduced radiation exposure, the use of non-ionizing techniques, and the creation of child-friendly environments to support cooperation. Finally, it introduces a rarely addressed topic in technical texts: the environmental impact of medical imaging. From the energy consumption of equipment to the management of electronic waste and the use of rare metals and contrast agents, the text calls for the adoption of more efficient technologies, recycling programs, and sustainable solutions that reduce the ecological footprint of the sector.
This atlas offers a tool that combines technical rigor, ethical awareness, and forward-looking vision, with the aim of ensuring that the most advanced technology is always at the service of surgical precision and the humanization of patient care. In the words of Dr. Munuera, “It is an honor to have contributed to a work that brings together top-level technical knowledge and conveys a work philosophy in which technology is a means to better care for people.”
Tel A, Robiony M, editors. Atlas of Virtual Surgical Planning and 3D Printing for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Cham: Springer Nature; 2025.
