Use of 3-D printing technologies in craniomaxillofacial surgery: a review

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3-D) printing is a method of manufacturing in which materials like plastic or metal are deposited onto one another in layers to produce a 3-D object. Because of the complex anatomy of craniomaxillofacial structures, full recovery of craniomaxillofacial tissues from trauma, surgeries, or congenital malformations is extremely challenging. 3-D printing of scaffolds, tissue analogs, and organs has been proposed as an exciting alternative to address some of these key challenges in craniomaxillofacial surgery. There are four broad types of 3-D printing surgical applications that can be used in craniomaxillofacial surgery: contour models (positive-space models to allow preapplication of hardware before surgery), guides (negative-space models of actual patient data to guide cutting and drilling), splints (negative-space models of virtual postoperative positions to guide final alignment), and implants (negative-space 3-D printed implantable materials or 3-D printed molds into which nonprintable materials are poured). 3-D printing technology is being successfully used for surgeries for head and neck malignancies, mandibular reconstruction, orthognathic surgeries, for mandibulectomies after osteoradionecrosis, orbital floor fracture surgeries, nasal reconstruction, and cranioplasties. The excitement behind 3-D printing continues to increase and hopefully will drive improvements in the technology and its surgical applications, especially in craniomaxillofacial region. This present review sets out to explore use of 3-D printing technologies in craniomaxillofacial surgery.

Endoscopic transoral approach for resection of retrostyloid parapharyngeal space tumors: Retrospective analysis of 16 patients

“…The 3D computer model has been widely used in maxilla-facial plastic reconstruction. 23 However, only few studies using 3D model assess the tumors within the PPS. 24 The preoperative 3D computer model in the present study can provide clarity regarding the tumor association with adjacent vessels, especially for identification of the ICA.…”

“…The 3D computer model has been widely used in maxilla‐facial plastic reconstruction 23 . However, only few studies using 3D model assess the tumors within the PPS 24 .…”

Robótica na cirurgia odontológica: Revisão integrativa

“…A aplicação da robótica na cirurgia se mostrou eficaz em implantodontia, no tratamento de câncer de cabeça e pescoço, tratamento de neuralgia do trigêmeo e tratamento de pequenas lesões no seio piriforme e osteotomias, de acordo com os estudos de Reddy et al (2015) e Mazerolle et al (2018). Além das aplicações práticas já citadas, Sun et al (2020), Ghai, et al (2018) e Kim et al (2016) também ressaltam a eficácia da robótica no planejamento cirúrgico, através do VSP (Virtual Surgical Planning) e da impressão 3D de modelos anatômicos.…”

Development of a Smart Splint to Monitor Different Parameters during the Treatment Process

“…The design freedom allows customization of surgical equipment, medical devices, and implants. In fact, anatomy for pedagogical objectives [ 9 , 10 ], craniomaxillofacial surgery [ 11 ], oral appliance therapy for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) [ 12 , 13 ], orthopedics surgery [ 14 ], and rehabilitation [ 15 ] are some examples in which the benefits of fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology could improve the clinical course of patients. These new techniques allow to improve wearing comfort and better hygiene due to the bio-compatible and sterilizable properties [ 16 ].…”