Virtual Surgical Planning
Also written as: VSP — Virtual Surgical Planning
A preoperative digital workflow using three-dimensional imaging and computer software to simulate and plan osteotomies and skeletal movements before actual surgery.
Full Definition
Virtual surgical planning (VSP) involves importing CBCT and, optionally, facial scanning data into specialised software to create a virtual model of the patient's craniofacial skeleton. The surgeon performs simulated osteotomies and repositions bone segments to optimise facial aesthetics and occlusion, generating data used to fabricate surgical wafers and cutting guides. VSP has become standard of care in complex orthognathic and reconstructive surgery and is increasingly referenced in clinical reports and journal articles. In editorial contexts, 'virtual surgical planning' may be abbreviated to VSP after first use; editors should confirm this abbreviation is defined at first occurrence. The term should not be confused with computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), which refers to the fabrication step that may follow VSP.
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviate to VSP after defining at first use. Distinguish from CAD/CAM, which refers to the manufacturing of surgical guides or prostheses, not the planning simulation itself.
In Context
- "Virtual surgical planning (VSP) was used to predetermine the degree of maxillary impaction and mandibular advancement required." — Surgical planning documentation
- "The article described a VSP-guided approach but did not define the abbreviation at first use — the editor inserted the full term accordingly." — Journal editing note