Background: Industry-printed (IP) 3-dimensional (3D) models are commonly used for secondary midfacial reconstructive cases but not for acute cases due to their high cost and long turnaround time. We have begun using in-house (IH) printed models for complex unilateral midface trauma. We hypothesized that IH models would decrease cost and turnaround time, compared with IP models. Methods: We retrospectively examined cost and turnaround time data from midface trauma cases performed in 2017–2019 using 3D models (total, n = 15; IH, n = 10; IP, n = 5). Data for IH models were obtained through itemized cost reports from our Biomedical Engineering Department, where the models were printed. Data associated with IP models were obtained through itemized cost reports from our industry vendor. Perioperative data were collected from electronic medical records. Results: The average cost for IH models ($236.38 ± 26.17) was significantly less ( P < 0.001) than that for IP models ($1677.82 ± 488.43). Minimal possible time from planning to model delivery was determined. IH models could be produced in as little as 4.65 hours, whereas the IP models required a minimum of 5 days (120 hours) from order placement. There were no significant differences in average operating room time ( P = 0.34), surgical complications, or subjective outcomes, but there was a significant difference in estimated blood loss ( P = 0.04). Conclusion: Utilization of IH 3D skull models is a creative and practical adjunct to complex unilateral midfacial trauma that also reduces cost and turnaround time compared with IP 3D models.

Purpose: Early onset of minor suture fusion in syndromic craniosynostosis is associated with midface dysplasia and is a common indication for craniofacial surgery. However, the potential effects of fusion severity on craniofacial growth patterns are not well understood. This study seeks to describe the impact of minor suture fusion severity on midface morphology in Crouzon syndrome. Methods: Pre-operative computed tomography images (CT) of 63 patients with Crouzon syndrome and 63 normocepahlic controls were included. Degree of suture fusion was assessed for the frontosphenoidal, sphenethmoidal, sphenosquamosal, sphenopetrosal, spheno-occipital synchondrosis, frontoethmoidal, and zygomaticosphenoidal sutures. Each suture was graded on a 5-point scale. The sella (S), nasion (N), A point (A), basion (BA), and anterior nasal spine (ANS) landmarks were used to calculate the SNA angle, BA-ANS length of the lower midface, and N-S length of the upper midface. Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze data. Results: The mean age was 43 months and 44% were female. The control group was significantly older ( P < .01) than the patients with Crouzon syndrome. Advanced fusion of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis in Crouzon syndrome correlates with regression of the BA-ANS length by 0.563 mm per incremental increase in suture fusion ( P < .01). Additionally, the lower midface (BA-ANS) was restricted to a greater degree than the upper midface (N-S) with progressive suture fusion in all patient types with ratios of these rates ranging between 0.602 and 0.89 for the 7 sutures analyzed. Suture fusion severity did not impact the SNA angle in any of the analyses performed. Conclusion: The severity of sheno-occipital synchondrosis fusion in Crouzon syndrome contributes to midface hypoplasia. Similarly, all anterior skull base sutures limited lower midface growth to a greater degree than the upper midface.

Background: Surgical management in those with moderate-to-severe airway obstruction includes tongue-lip adhesion, tracheostomy, and/or mandibular distraction osteogenesis. This article describes a transfacial two-pin external device technique for mandibular distraction osteogenesis, utilizing minimal dissection. Methods: The first percutaneous pin is transcutaneously placed just inferior to the sigmoid notch parallel to the interpupillary line. The pin is then advanced through the pterygoid musculature at the base of the pterygoid plates, toward the contralateral ramus, and exits the skin. A second parallel pin is placed spanning the bilateral mandibular parasymphysis distal to the region of the future canine. With the pins in place, bilateral high ramus transverse corticotomies are performed. Using univector distractor devices, the length of activation varies, with the goal of overdistraction to achieve a class III relationship of the alveolar ridges. Consolidation is limited to a 1:1 period with the activation phase, and removal is performed by cutting and pulling the pins out of the face. Results: To guide optimal transcutaneous pin placement, transfacial pins were then placed through twenty segmented mandibles. Mean upper pin (UP) distance was 20.7 ± 1.1 mm from the tragus. The distance between the cutaneous entry of the UP and lower pin was 23.5 ± 0.9 mm, and the tragion-UP-lower pin angle was 118.7 ± 2.9°. Conclusions: The two-pin technique has potential advantages regarding nerve injury and mandibular growth, given an intraoral approach with limited dissection. It may safely be performed on neonates whose small size may preclude the use of internal distractor devices.

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