[Three-dimensional imaging in plastic surgery. Application to the carpal bones and skull].

Since 1987, the authors have developed three-dimensional (3D) imaging of the carpus. This new application of imaging allows spatial visualization of the complex shapes of the carpal skeleton from all angles and from all illuminations. The development of this technique should lead to a better understanding of the intimate physiology of the carpus, allowing the construction of a model of the wrist enabling precise planning of operative procedures. It also helps to elucidate complex pathological images which are sometimes difficult to interpret on computed tomography scans. In parallel, the same process has been developed for the skull. It is particularly useful in cranio-facial surgery, especially in congenital deformities. Progress in this technique should allow surgical simulation on a video screen in the very near future.