Computer-assisted surgery has been more and more widely used in craniofacial surgery in recent years. It is useful in many situations: stereolithographic models, surgical simulations of osteotomies and bone repositioning, and cutting guides and customized implants. The present paper argues that computer-assisted surgery is particularly useful in complex cases such as rare malformations, or to address the sequelae of previous surgeries. The various advantages of the technique are emphasized from a surgical and from a teaching standpoint.

Forty cases of various computer-assisted surgeries were analyzed, allowing a comprehensive review of outcomes in cases such as craniosynostosis, complex craniosynostosis, hypertelorism, craniosynostosis sequelae and cranio-facial and orbital trauma.

Results were promising in all of the cases reviewed, except in a few cases for which computer-assisted surgery with cutting guides may not be necessary. In these specific cases, the pedagogical input is nevertheless interesting for residents and students.

Computer-assisted surgery is revolutionizing the surgical approach to complex craniofacial malformations, as well as easing management of less complex ones. It is likely that in the years to come this technique will supersede previous ones. However, using this technique implies being willing to rely on a non-human device. We need to consider computer-assisted surgery as a tool that can change surgical practices. The surgeon can rely on it, yet nothing will replace his/her eye and experience. It is the combination of both this experience and the appropriate use of computer-assisted surgery that, ultimately, leads to successful surgery.