Comparative Volume Analysis of Alveolar Defects by 3D Simulation

Application of 3D Printing in Cleft Lip and Palate Repair

This manuscript reviews the transformative impact of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technologies in the treatment and management of cleft lip and palate (CLP), highlighting its application across presurgical planning, surgical training, implantable scaffolds, and postoperative care. By integrating patient-specific data through computer-aided design and manufacturing, 3D printing offers tailored solutions that improve surgical outcomes, reduce operation times, and enhance patient care. The review synthesizes current research findings, technical advancements, and clinical applications, illustrating the potential of 3D printing to revolutionize CLP treatment. Further, it discusses the future directions of combining 3D printing with other innovative technologies like artificial intelligence, 4D printing, and in situ bioprinting for more comprehensive care strategies. This paper underscores the necessity for multidisciplinary collaboration and further research to overcome existing challenges and fully utilize the capabilities of 3D printing in CLP repair.

Three-Dimensional Comparative Changes in the Pharyngeal Airway of Patients with Cleft after Two-Jaw Orthognathic Surgery

BACKGROUND

The present study evaluated the three-dimensional changes of the pharyngeal airway after orthognathic surgery (OGS) in patients with unilateral and bilateral clefts, and in unilateral cleft patients with and without pharyngeal flap (PF).

METHODS

Forty-five patients with unilateral or bilateral clefts undergoing OGS were enrolled. Cone-beam computed tomographic images were obtained before and after OGS. We measured the pharyngeal airway volumes, minimal cross-sectional area, and the horizontal displacement of facial landmarks.

RESULTS

The patients with bilateral cleft exhibited smaller initial velopharyngeal volume (unilateral, 8623 mm 3 ; bilateral, 7781 mm 3 ; P = 0.211), whereas the velopharyngeal volume increased significantly with a median of 744 mm 3 after OGS ( P = 0.031). The median horizontal displacement of A point was 2.9 and 2.6 mm among the patients with unilateral and bilateral clefts, respectively ( P = 0.276), and the median horizontal displacement of B point was -2.9 and -3.3 mm among patients with unilateral and bilateral clefts, respectively ( P = 0.618). The unilateral cleft patients with PF exhibited lower initial velopharyngeal volume (patients with a history of PF surgery, 7582 mm 3 ; patients without a history of PF surgery, 8756 mm 3 ; P = 0.129) and a lower increase in velopharyngeal volume (patients with a history of PF surgery, 437 mm 3 ; patients without a history of PF surgery, 627 mm 3 ; P = 0.739) after OGS.

CONCLUSIONS

Midface hypoplasia and the decrease in the velopharyngeal volume were more prominent among the bilateral cleft patients and the unilateral cleft patients with PF. After OGS, the velopharyngeal volume increased considerably among the bilateral cleft patients, but no considerable differences were noted among the unilateral cleft patients with PF.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Risk, II.

Evaluation of maxillary alveolar ridge formation and ridge continuity after secondary alveolar bone grafting using cancellous and cortico-cancellous bone graft in unilateral cleft alveolus using cone beam computed tomographic scan - a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The aim of present study was to compare and evaluate the maxillary alveolar ridge formation and ridge continuity using cancellous and corticocanellous bone graft harvested from anterior iliac crest for complete secondary unilateral cleft alveolus defects.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

All patients were randomized into two groups for secondary alveolar bone grafting. Group I (n = 10) patients treated with cancellous particulate bone graft and group II (n = 10) patients treated with cortico-cancellous block graft. Maxillary alveolar ridge bone formation was assessed with the help of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan using Planmeca Romexis Viewer 5.0 software. Maxillary alveolar ridge continuity was assessed with axial section of CBCT scan and clinical occlusal photograph. Preoperative CBCT scan and occlusal photographs were compared with post-op 6-month CBCT scan and occlusal photographs.

RESULT

The mean preoperative volume of cleft defect in group I was 4.2576 cm3 whereas in group II it was 4.2268 cm3. The mean postoperative bone bridge formation after 6 months in group I was 4.055 cm3 whereas in group II it was 3.8103 cm3. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative axial sections of CBCT scans were compared and 100% maxillary alveolar ridge continuity was achieved in both groups. The preoperative and postoperative occlusal photographs of both the groups were compared and showed accurate bone and well aligned maxillary alveolar ridge formation in all patients.

CONCLUSION

The present study concluded that maxillary alveolar ridge formation rate is less in cortico-cancellous iliac crest block graft compared to cancellous iliac crest particulate graft, but is equally good as cancellous bone graft.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NO

(REF/2020/09/031605)/ CTRI/ 2020/09/028001.

Evaluating SWAG and Its Validity When Compared to 3D Imagery of Secondarily Grafted Cleft Sites

OBJECTIVE

To test validity of 2D Standardized Way to Assess Grafts (SWAG) ratings to assess 3D outcomes of bone grafting (ABG).

PATIENTS

43 patients (34 UCLP, 9 BCLP) with non-syndromic complete clefts, bone-grafted at mean age 9yrs/3mos, with available post-graft occlusal radiographs and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) (taken mean 4yrs/9mos post-ABG).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

2D occlusal radiographs rated twice using SWAG by 6 calibrated raters. 12 scores were averaged and converted to a percentage reflecting bone-fill. Weighted Kappas were assessed for SWAG reliability. 3D cleft-site bone volume was calculated by 1 rater using ITK-SNAP. 13 cleft sites were re-measured by the 'one rater' for 3D reliability using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). 2D versus 3D ratings were compared using paired t-test, independent samples t-test, Bland-Altman and Linear Regression. Significance level was P = .5.

RESULTS

2D reliability was 0.724 (intra-rater) and 0.546 (inter-rater). 3D reliability was 0.986. Bland-Altman plot comparing 2D vs 3D showed for 45 of 47 graft-sites were within 2 SD's. Mean % bone-fill was 64.11% with 2D and 69.06% with 3D (mean difference = 4.95%) that was a non-significant difference in both t-tests. Regression showed a statistically significant relation between the two methods (r2 = 0.46; P = .0001).

CONCLUSION

2D SWAG systematically and non-significantly underestimated bone-fill. There was a significant correlation between 2D/3D methods. Bland-Altman analysis illustrated the similarity of the two methods. For comparisons of group (cleft treatment Centers') bone grafting outcomes, the 2D method may suffice as a proxy for the 3D method. However, with individual variation up to 40% in 2D estimates of actual 3D volume, 2D SWAG method cannot be used in place of 3D images.

Long-term treatment outcome of patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients with cleft lip and palate have functional and esthetic impairment and typically require multiple interventions in their life. Long-term evaluation following a treatment protocol, especially for patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP), is important but was rarely reported in the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on all patients with complete BCLP born between 1995 and 2002 and treated at our center. Inclusion criteria were having adequate medical records and receiving continuous multidisciplinary team care at least until 20 years of age. Exclusion criteria were lack of regular follow-up and congenital syndromic abnormalities. The medical records and photos were reviewed, and facial bone development was evaluated using cephalometric analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 122 patients were included, with a mean age of 22.1 years at the final evaluation in this study. Primary one-stage cheiloplasty was performed in 91.0% of the patients, and 9.0% underwent two-stage repair with an initial adhesion cheiloplasty. All patients underwent two-flap palatoplasty at an average of 12.3 months. Surgical intervention for velopharyngeal insufficiency was required in 59.0% of patients. Revisional lip/nose surgery was performed in 31.1% during growing age and in 64.8% after skeletal maturity. Orthognathic surgery was applied in 60.7% of patients with retruded midface, of which 97.3% underwent two-jaw surgery. The average number of operations to complete the treatment was 5.9 per patient.

CONCLUSION

Patients with complete BCLP remain the most challenging group to treat among the cleft. This review revealed certain suboptimal results, and modifications have been made to the treatment protocol. Longitudinal follow-up and periodic assessment help to establish an ideal therapeutic strategy and improve overall cleft care.

Effect of body mass index on progressive bone mineral density in patients with cleft after secondary alveolar bone grafting

BACKGROUND

Although childhood obesity matters, the association between body mass index (BMI) and bone mineral density (BMD) progression in grafted tissue after secondary alveolar bone grafting (ABG) for children with cleft alveolus is scarcely studied. Accordingly, this study explored the influence of BMI on BMD progression after ABG.

METHODS

In total, 39 patients with cleft alveolus receiving ABG at the mixed dentition stage were enrolled. Patients were classified as underweight, normal weight, or overweight or obese according to age- and sex-adjusted BMI. BMD was measured in Hounsfield units (HU) from cone-beam computed tomography scans obtained 6 months (T1) and 2 years (T2) postoperatively. Adjusted BMD (HU_{grafted tissue}/HU_pogonion, BMD_a) was used for further analysis.

RESULTS

For underweight, normal-weight, and overweight or obese patients, BMD_aT1 values were 72.87%, 91.85%, and 92.89%, respectively (p = 0.727); BMD_aT2 values were 111.49%, 112.57%, and 113.10% (p = 0.828); and density enhancement rates were 29.24%, 24.61%, and 22.14% (p = 0.936). No significant correlation was observed between BMI and BMD_aT1, BMD_aT2, or density enhancement rates (p = 0.223, 0.156, and 0.972, respectively). For patients with BMI < 17 and ≥ 17 kg/m², BMD_aT1 values were 89.80% and 92.89%, respectively (p = 0.496); BMD_aT2 values were 111.49% and 113.10% (p = 0.216); and density enhancement rates were 23.06% and 26.39% (p = 0.573).

CONCLUSION

Patients with different BMI values had similar outcomes (BMD_aT1, BMD_aT2, or density enhancement rate) after our ABG procedure in the 2-year postoperative follow-up.

A Comparative Volumetric Assessment of Cancellous and Cortico-Cancellous Bone Graft in the Management of Unilateral Alveolar Cleft Defect using Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Scan-A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction

The most commonly preferred procedure for surgical correction of alveolar bone defect and restoration of bony contour is anterior iliac crest graft. Since the ancient time, cancellous bone graft is considered as a gold standard, but it has a high resorption rate and many other disadvantages, and hence we conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of Cortico-cancellous bone graft harvested from anterior iliac crest to find out whether it can be used as a substitute for cancellous bone graft or not.

Aims & Objectives

The objectives of present study were to compare and evaluate the bone bridge formation rate, resorption rate, and uptake of bone graft at recipient site using cancellous and corticocanellous bone graft harvested from anterior iliac crest for complete unilateral cleft alveolus defects.

Patients and Method

Total 20 patients were divided into two groups by lottery method of randomization. Each group comprises of total 10 patients treated with cancellous bone graft in group 1 and corticocancellous bone graft in group 2 patients harvested from anterior iliac crest. Preoperatively and postoperatively CBCT scans were taken for each patient to calculate the volume of cleft defect and volume of newly formed bone after 6 months, respectively. Grafting fill rate was calculated and mean graft filling rate observed in the patients of group 1 was 1.14 ± 0.03, and in patients of group 2, it was 1.17 ± 0.03. The mean bone bridge formation rate observed in the patients of group 1 was 91.85 ± 0.81 and in patients of group 2 it was 87.89 ± 0.75. The mean bone resorption rate obtained in the patients of group 1 was 18.74 ± 0.42 and in patients of group 2 it was 16.87 ± 0.52.

Conclusion

The present study concluded that accurate estimation of the amount required for bone grafting in the alveolar cleft can be performed by CBCT scan data using Planmeca Romexis viewer version 5.0 software. Even though the corticocancellous bone graft has some drawbacks, it is equally good as cancellous bone graft because of its less resorption than cancellous bone graft and can be considered as a second best option for secondary alveolar bone grafting.Clinical trial registration no (REF/2020/09/031605)/(CTRI/2020/09/028001).

Virtual Surgical Planning and Customized Subperiosteal Titanium Maxillary Implant (CSTMI) for Three Dimensional Reconstruction and Dental Implants of Maxillary Defects after Oncological Resection: Case Series

Maxillectomies cause malocclusion, masticatory disorders, swallowing disorders and poor nasolabial projection, with consequent esthetic and functional sequelae. Reconstruction can be achieved with conventional approaches, such as closure of the maxillary defect by microvascular free flap surgery or prosthetic obturation. Four patients with segmental maxillary defects that had been reconstructed with customized subperiosteal titanium maxillary implants (CSTMI) through virtual surgical planning (VSP), STL models and CAD/CAM titanium mesh were included. The smallest maxillary defect was 4.1 cm and the largest defect was 9.6 cm, with an average of 7.1 cm. The reconstructed maxillary vertical dimension ranged from 9.3 mm to 17.4 mm, with a mean of 13.17 mm. The transverse dimension of the maxilla at the crestal level was attempted to be reconstructed based on the pre-excision CT scan, and these measurements ranged from 6.5 mm in the premaxilla area to 14.6 mm at the posterior level. All patients were rehabilitated with a fixed prosthesis on subperiosteal implants with good esthetic and functional results. In conclusion, we believe that customized subperiosteal titanium maxillary implants (CSTMI) are a safe alternative for maxillary defects reconstruction, allowing for simultaneous dental rehabilitation while restoring midface projection. Nonetheless, prospective and randomized trials are required with long-term follow-up, to assess its long-term performance and safety.

Favorable Transverse Maxillary Development after Covering the Lateral Raw Surfaces with Buccal Fat Flaps in Modified Furlow Palatoplasty: A 3D Imaging-Assisted Long-Term Comparative Outcome Study

BACKGROUND

The pedicled buccal fat flap has recently been applied to cover the lateral raw surfaces during palatoplasty as an attempt to mitigate scar-induced transverse maxillary constriction during growth, but with no formal long-term comparative analysis. This 3D imaging-assisted study assessed its impact on posterior transverse maxillary development.

METHODS

Cone beam computerized tomography scans from patients with unilateral cleft lip, alveolus and palate who received buccal fat flap (buccal fat group; n=22) or Surgicel (Surgicel group; n=32) for covering lateral raw surfaces during modified Furlow palatoplasty at 9-10 months old and had reached 9 years old were retrieved for analysis. Patients with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (non-palatoplasty group; n=24) were also included for comparison. Using 3D maxillary image models, linear (U6T-MSP and U6J-MSP) and area measurements were calculated for cleft and non-cleft posterior maxillary sides as well as for total posterior transverse maxillary dimension.

RESULTS

The buccal fat group had significantly (all p<0.05) wider dimensions compared with the Surgicel group for all transverse maxillary measurements on both the cleft and non-cleft sides, with exception for U6J-MSP and posterior palatal area parameters on the cleft side (p>0.05). The buccal fat group had significantly (all p<0.05) wider total transverse maxillary dimensions compared with Surgicel and non-palatoplasty groups.

CONCLUSION

Covering the lateral raw surfaces with buccal fat flaps resulted in less posterior transverse maxillary constriction compared with the Surgicel-based covering procedure.

Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Unilateral and Bilateral Complete Cleft Lip and Palate: A Single-Institution Outcomes Evaluation Using Three-Dimensional Cone Beam Computed Tomography

BACKGROUND

Secondary alveolar bone grafting of autologous bone from the iliac crest is a widely accepted modality for repair of residual alveolar cleft in patients with mixed dentition with previously repaired complete cleft lip and palate. There remains debate regarding surgical timing and preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative management of these cases.

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed patient demographic information in addition to preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative course to evaluate how patient and practice factors impact graft outcomes as assessed by three-dimensional cone beam computed tomographic evaluation at the 6-month postoperative visit.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, age at operation older than 9 years, history of oronasal fistula, history of cleft lip or palate revision, and history of international adoption were all found to significantly increase likelihood of graft failure (p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, age older than 9 years was found to be the single most significant predictor of graft failure (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in graft outcomes between patients with unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate, and no single variable was found to significantly correlate to increased complication rates. The graft success rate overall of the authors' practice was 86.2 percent, with a complication rate of 7.7 percent.

CONCLUSIONS

Secondary alveolar bone grafting is an integral part of the cleft lip and palate surgical treatment series; this study identified several outcome predictors for both graft failure and adverse events, the most significant of which was age at operation. Although the mixed dentition phase often extends to 12 years of age, it is recommended that bone grafting be performed before 9 years of age to optimize outcomes.

CLINICAL QUESTIONS/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Risk, III.

Secondary Alveolar Bone Grafting in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate: A Step-by-Step Video Series

SUMMARY

Secondary alveolar bone grafting is one of the key surgical procedures performed to restore dental arch continuity and facilitate tooth eruption in patients with cleft lip and palate. Harvest of cancellous bone graft from the iliac crest has become the gold standard; however. there is no consensus regarding the ideal technique. An optimal bone harvest technique must be aimed at producing minimal donor-site morbidity and patient discomfort. The success of the bone grafting procedure depends largely on the surgical technique. To restore cleft alveolar defects, one must be able to conceptualize the different underlying aspects of the problem to perform an effective surgical repair. It is important for surgeons-in-service to adopt newer techniques that significantly enhance the overall outcome. This article describes two techniques of iliac bone harvest and the principles involved in execution of the alveolar bone grafting procedure. The accompanying four-part video series depicts the bone harvest, flap design, dissection of the recipient cleft alveolus, and bone grafting in a step-by-step manner.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-, Antimicrobial Agent-, and Analgesic-Incorporated Nanofibrous Scaffolds for the Therapy of Alveolar Clefts

An alveolar cleft is a bone defect in the maxillary arch. Although the use of autologous iliac bone grafts to repair alveolar clefts is the preferred treatment method, donor-site morbidity remains a concern. In this study, we incorporated bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), an antimicrobial agent, and an analgesic into nanofibrous scaffolds for alveolar cleft therapy. Three-dimensional (3D) printing and coaxial electrospinning techniques were used to fabricate the scaffolds. BMP-2, ketorolac, and amoxicillin were used as the growth factor, analgesic, and antimicrobial agent, respectively. The in vitro properties of the nanofibrous scaffolds were characterized, and in vivo efficacy was evaluated in a rat alveolar-cleft model. The empirical data indicated that the biomolecule-incorporated scaffolds offered extended discharge of BMP-2, amoxicillin, and ketorolac for >4 weeks. The animal test outcomes also demonstrated favorable bone healing at the cleft site. Biomolecule- and drug-incorporated nanofibrous scaffolds demonstrated their efficacy in alveolar cleft treatment.

Progressive Comparison of Density Assessment of Alveolar Bone Graft in Patients with Unilateral and Bilateral Cleft

(1) Background: Continuing to observe the grafted bone mineral density (BMD) is essential to ensure the success of alveolar bone grafting (ABG) in patients with cleft lip and palate. This study elaborates on three methods that can be used to evaluate the progressive BMD. (2) Methods: Forty patients with unilateral or bilateral clefts receiving ABG were enrolled. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken at 6 months (T1) and 2 years (T2) postoperatively. In CBCT, measurements were obtained on three different planes using the circle located 1 mm from the adjacent teeth (Method A), the largest circle within the defect (Method B), or the central circle with a diameter of 2 mm (Method C). The BMD was the average density of the three planes and was adjusted by pogonion density. Bland–Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement of each method. Inter-rater reliability was confirmed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). (3) Results: For Method A, B, and C, the mean-adjusted BMD (BMD/pogonion density, BMD_a) was 17.44%, 17.88%, and 17.69%, respectively, at T1 (p = 0.495), and 22.51%, 22.87%, and 22.74%, respectively, at T2 (p = 0.690); the density enhancement rates were 40.54%, 38.92%, and 43.15% (p = 0.382). Significant differences between the BMD_a at T1 and T2 were observed (p < 0.001, <0.001, and 0.001, for Method A, B, and C, respectively). The volume of the grafted tissue remained stable during T1 and T2, and no significant correlation between density enhancement rate and volume loss was observed. (4) Conclusions: A significant increase in the BMD of grafted tissue was observed in the 2-year postoperative follow-up. The three methods for measuring BMD_a via CBCT can be applied in post-ABG evaluations.

Alveolar Volume Following Different Timings of Secondary Bone Grafting in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate. A Pilot Study

This study was intended to evaluate the relationship between secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) timing and the alveolar volume in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). The material consisted of CTs of 35 patients (17 males, 18 females) with UCLP who underwent a one-stage primary cleft repair at a mean age of 8.4 months and SABG at different timings ranges of 1.8–18.8 years. The mean age at CT was 17.2 years. The relative coefficient (Ꞷ) which was independent from factors such as individual maxillary size, gender or age at the CT was introduced in order to compare volumes of the cleft-side in relation to the non-cleft-side alveolus. Pearson correlation coefficient r between Ꞷ coefficient and SABG timing was weak negative (r = −0.34, p = 0.045). The multiple regression analysis implied that the dependent variable-Ꞷ coefficient was associated with independent variables (cleft repair and SABG timings and age at CT) with r² = 0.228. Only patient’s age at SABG explained the dependent variable (p = 0.003). The study cautiously indicates a tendency to larger alveolar volume following earlier timing of SABG. Nevertheless, the further research on a larger group of patients should be performed before formulating any clinical indications.

Comparison of Two Methods for Presurgical Volumetric Evaluation of Alveolar Cleft Bone Defects Using Computer-Aided Engineering

ABSTRACT

Precise volumetric evaluation of the alveolar cleft facilitates accurate preparation of bone substitutes and reduces donor site morbidity. This study investigates 2 advanced presurgical volumetric assessment methods that use computer-aided engineering (CAE) software. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans from 20 unilateral alveolar cleft patients undergoing secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) were analyzed by CAE software. Cleft defect volumes were calculated using the mirror-reversed technique and the subtraction method. The mirror-reversed technique determines defect volume by reversing the noncleft side to the cleft side. The subtraction method determines defect volume by subtracting a mask of the preoperative cleft from a mask generated after simulated cleft filling. The mean defect volumes and calculation times of the mirror-reversed technique (1.27 ± 0.35 cm3; 11.80 ± 1.79 seconds) and the subtractive method (1.23 ± 0.32 cm3; 9.43 ± 1.35 seconds) did not differ significantly. In Bland-Altman analysis the 2 methods were equivalent for alveolar cleft defect assessment. Both methods exhibited acceptable interobserver reliability, high precision, clinical convenience, time efficiency, and high reproducibility, and can serve as valuable tools for the planning and execution of SABG. The subtraction method has broader potential applicability and can simulate intraoperative bone grafting more effectively.

Three-Dimensional Printing in Cleft Care: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To determine the current applications of 3-dimensional (3D) printing in the care of patients with cleft lip and palate. We also reviewed 3D printing limitations, financial analysis, and future implications.

DESIGN

Retrospective systematic review.

METHODS

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were used by 3 independent reviewers. Articles were identified from Cochrane library, Ovid Medline, and Embase. Search terms included 3D printing, 3 dimensional printing, additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, cleft lip, and cleft palate. Exclusion criteria included articles not in English, animal studies, reviews without original data, oral presentations, abstracts, opinion pieces, and articles without relevance to 3D printing or cleft lip and palate.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome measure was the purpose of 3D printing in the care of patients with cleft lip and palate. Secondary outcome measures were cost analysis and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Eight-four articles were identified, and 39 met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Eleven studies used 3D printing models for nasoalveolar molding. Patient-specific implants were developed via 3D printing in 6 articles. Surgical planning was conducted via 3D printing in 8 studies. Eight articles utilized 3D printing for anatomic models/educational purposes. 3-Dimensional printed models were used for surgical simulation/training in 6 articles. Bioprinting was utilized in 4 studies. Secondary outcome of cost was addressed in 8 articles.

CONCLUSION

3-Dimensional printing for the care of patients with cleft lip and palate has several applications. Potential advantages of utilizing this technology are demonstrated; however, literature is largely descriptive in nature with few clinical outcome measures. Future direction should be aimed at standardized reporting to include clinical outcomes, cost, material, printing method, and results.

Intra- and Interobserver Reliability of Bone Volume Estimation Using OsiriX Software in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

The objective of the current study was to evaluate intra- and interobserver bone volume measurements and effect of orientation on the reliability of bone volume evaluation in as-acquired vis-à-vis oriented cone beam computed tomography scans using Osirix software and possible correlation between gender, age, and bone volume required. For this, 31 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 14 girls and 17 boys (aged 9–13) with unilateral cleft lip and/or palate who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Efficacy and reliability of third party software Osirix for bone volume calculation was assessed using as acquired and oriented volumes by three specialists (a radiologist, an orthodontist, and an oral maxillofacial surgeon). The dataset and readings were anonymized to prevent any bias. Two-way mixed model analysis on as-acquired and oriented observations exhibited intra-class coefficient (ICC) values ≥ 0.90. Wilcoxon signed rank test (p = 0.10) and Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA (p = 0.46) indicated that although a clinical difference in volume assessment was seen between as-acquired and oriented observations (inter-observer and intra-observer), it was statistically insignificant. Spearman’s bi-variate correlation analysis revealed a significant relation between the type (side) of cleft and bone volume required to fill the defect (p < 0.05). Although there was clinical difference in bone volume measurement by the three observers, it was insignificant statistically. Clefts on the left side in the patients had significantly more bone required than the right side, whereas age and gender had no relation with bone needed to fill the defect. OsiriX software provided good reliability in measurements of bone volume.