Intraoral Condylectomy with 3D-Printed Cutting Guide versus with Surgical Navigation: An Accuracy and Effectiveness Comparison

Integrating Virtual Surgical Planning and 3D-Printed Tools with Iliac Bone Grafts for Orbital and Zygomatic Reconstruction in Hemifacial Microsomia Patients

Hemifacial Microsomia (HFM) is the second most common congenital craniofacial malformation syndrome, and the complexity of HFM makes its treatment challenging. The present study aimed to introduce a new approach of utilization of virtual surgical planning (VSP) and 3D-printed surgical adjuncts for maxillofacial reconstruction. Five HFM patients were included in this study. All participants were provided with a full VSP, including the design of osteotomy lines, the design and fabrication of 3D-printed cutting guides, fixation plates, and titanium mesh for implantation. With the assistance of 3D-printed cutting guides and fixation plates, the orbital deformities were corrected, and a 3D-printed titanium mesh combined with iliac cancellous bone graft was applied to reconstruct the zygomatic arch. The surgical accuracy, effectiveness, and bone absorption rate were evaluated. All patients completed the entirely digital treatment process without experiencing severe complications. The surgical adjuncts were effective in aligning the movement of the bone segments with the surgical plan, resulting in mean 3D deviations (1.0681 ± 0.15 mm) and maximum 3D deviations (3.1127 ± 0.44 mm). The image fusion results showed that the patients' postoperative position of the maxilla, zygoma, and orbital rim was consistent with the virtual surgical plan, with only a slight increase in the area of bone grafting. The postoperative measurements showed significant improvement in the asymmetry indices of Er (AI of Er: from 17.91 ± 3.732 to 5.427 ± 1.389 mm, p = 0.0001) and FZ (AI of FZ: from 7.581 ± 1.435 to 4.070 ± 1.028 mm, p = 0.0009) points. In addition, the observed bone resorption rate at the 6-month follow-up across the five patients was 45.24% ± 3.13%. In conclusion, the application of VSP and 3D-printed surgical adjuncts demonstrates significant value in enhancing the precision and effectiveness of surgical treatments for HFM. A 3D-printed titanium mesh combined with iliac cancellous bone graft can be considered an ideal alternative for the reconstruction of the zygomatic arch.

Three-dimensional printed titanium mesh combined with iliac cancellous bone in the reconstruction of mandibular defects secondary to ameloblastoma resection

BACKGROUND

The reconstruction of large mandibular defects is a challenge, and free vascularized bone flaps are most commonly used. However, the precision and symmetry of this repair are deficient, and patients have a risk of vascular embolism, flap necrosis, and donor site complications. Therefore, to explore an ideal alternative in mandibular reconstruction with high surgical accuracy and low complications is indispensable.

METHODS

Seven patients with recurrent or large-scope ameloblastoma were enrolled in this study. All patients were provided with a fully digital treatment plan, including the design of osteotomy lines, surgical guides, and three-dimensional printed titanium mesh for implantation. With the assistance of surgical guide, ameloblastomas were resected, and custom 3D printed titanium mesh combined with posterior iliac bone harvest was used in mandibular reconstruction. A comparison was made between the discrepant surgical outcomes and the intended surgical plan, as well as the average three-dimensional deviation of the mandible before and after the surgery. At the same time, the resorption rate of the implanted bone was evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients completed the fully digital treatment process successfully without severe complications. Image fusion showed that the postoperative contour of the mandible was basically consistent with surgical planning, except for a slight increase in the inferior border of the affected side. The mean three-dimensional deviation of the mandible between the preoperative and postoperative periods was 0.78 ± 0.41 mm. The mean error between the intraoperative bone volume and the digital planning bone volume was 2.44%±2.10%. Furthermore, the bone resorption rates of the harvested graft 6 months later were 32.15%±6.95%.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of digital surgical planning and 3D-printed templates can assist surgeons in performing surgery precisely, and the 3D-printed titanium mesh implant can improve the patient's facial symmetry. 3D printed titanium mesh combined with posterior iliac cancellous bone graft can be regarded as an ideal alternative in extensive mandibular reconstruction.