Abstract
Computer-aided design, three-dimensional printing, and additive manufacturing are revolutionizing craniomaxillofacial trauma surgery. Traditionally, this is completed via third-party vendors during online web meetings. Although this is effective, it can take several weeks to have custom plates arrive, negating its use in acute facial trauma. The price of 3D printers and software needed to complete this in-house are decreasing. This allows for expedited turn around, facilitating treatment in the acute setting. This article serves as a review of fundamental 3D printing principles and describes the process of virtually reducing facial fractures, 3D printing the reduced models, and having a plate ready for surgery in hours.
Highlights
3D printing is a process where material such as a photopolymer resin is cured via ultraviolet laser, layer by layer until the object is complete
After virtual reduction is completed, the new mandible is exported as a standard tessellation language (STL) file which can be read by the 3D printing software
CAD/CAM and 3D printing are changing the way craniomaxillofacial surgeons treat their patients. The evolution of this is slowly making its way through the entire scope of the surgical specialties dedicated to facial differences, pathology, and injuries
Summary
3D printing is a process where material such as a photopolymer resin is cured via ultraviolet laser, layer by layer until the object is complete. Since many craniomaxillofacial surgeries are aimed at cutting, recontouring, or reconstructing bone, patient specific models offer tangible objects that give surgeons more data for formulating treatment plans. A model can be printed of a mandible that is used for prebending a reconstruction plate before going to the operating room.
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