Three-Dimensional Technology Applications in Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery: Current Surgical Implications

Abstract

Defects in the oral and maxillofacial (OMF) complex may lead to functional and esthetic impairment, aspiration, speech difficulty, and reduced quality of life. Reconstruction of such defects is considered one of the most challenging procedures in head and neck surgery. Transfer of different auto-grafts is still considered as the “gold standard” of regenerative and reconstructive procedures for OMF defects. However, harvesting of these grafts can lead to many complications including donor-site morbidity, extending of surgical time, incomplete healing of the donor site and others. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is an innovative technique that allows the fabrication of personalized implants and scaffolds that fit the precise anatomy of an individual’s defect and, therefore, has attracted significant attention during the last few decades, especially among head and neck surgeons. Here we discuss the most relevant applications of the 3D printing technology in the oral and maxillofacial surgery field. We further show different clinical examples of patients who were treated at our institute using the 3D technology and discuss the indications, different technologies, complications, and their clinical outcomes. We demonstrate that 3D technology may provide a powerful tool used for reconstruction of various OMF defects, enabling optimal clinical results in the suitable cases.

Quantitative Assessment of Point-of-Care 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Cranial Implants

“…In particular, additive manufacturing (AM) or three-dimensional (3D) printing have become ways of aptly reconstructing the patient's affected surgical anatomy with patient-matched implants [11][12][13][14]. Patient-specific implants (PSIs), in general, are driven by the imperative need of surgeons to treat complicated reconstructive cases that demand a unique patientspecific approach [15][16][17]. The potential use of 3D printing in these realms as a source of customizable PSIs that matches each patient's unique anatomy has piqued great interest among surgeons.…”

Reconstruction of a Craniofacial Defect Using Rapid Prototyping and an Autograft - A Case Report

“…[ 8 ] In our experience, RPT eliminates any discrepancy caused while making of impressions and models. [ 11 ] The prototype fabrication helps in the three-dimensional appearance and feel of the prosthesis, which was useful in surgical planning. [ 11 ] Furthermore, fabricating a prosthesis with a mesh design had the advantages of reduced weight of the prosthesis, promoted osseointegration, and ensured no buildup of cranial fluid.…”

“…Furthermore, currently, not many biocompatible materials such as Ti are available for three-dimensional printing. [ 11 ] The long-term complications such as skin erosion have been observed with Ti prosthesis, but in patients with multiple craniotomies and diabetes. [ 12 ] However, the advantages of custom-made Ti prosthesis outweigh the limitations, thus it should be the first choice for reconstruction of craniofacial defects in young patients.…”

Zygomatic arch reconstruction with apatient‐specificpolycaprolactone/beta‐tricalciumphosphate scaffold after parosteal osteosarcoma resection in a dog

“…Recent advances in maxillofacial surgery have focused on 3D‐printing technology because it enables the replication and reconstruction of complex patient‐specific shapes of the skull 13 . Different materials can be used to provide optimal strength that mimics the mechanical and physical properties of native bone.…”