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Updated: May 31, 2026

3D Planning and Printing of Patient Specific Implants for Reconstruction of Bony Defects
Published on: August 4, 2020
[Computer-assisted reconstruction of the facial skeleton]
1Mund-, Kiefer- und plastische Gesichtschirurgie, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Ulm, Akademisches Krankenhaus der Universität Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 40, 89081 Ulm, Deutschland. alexander.schramm@extern.uni-ulm.de
Computer-assisted surgery enhances facial reconstruction by integrating preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation, and imaging. This approach ensures predictable outcomes and reduces revision surgeries for complex facial trauma.
Area of Science:
- Maxillofacial Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Navigation
Context:
- Facial skeleton injuries can cause significant aesthetic and functional impairments.
- Traditional reconstructive methods may face challenges in achieving precise outcomes for complex trauma.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a computer-assisted surgery (CAS) workflow for treating complex facial trauma.
- To demonstrate the integration of preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation, and intraoperative imaging in facial reconstruction.
Summary:
- The study details a clinical routine utilizing CAS, combining preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation, and intraoperative imaging for complex facial trauma.
- Preoperative planning allows for precise definition of reconstructive goals, guided by navigational surgery during the operation.
- Intraoperative imaging provides final validation, ensuring accurate fragment and transplant placement and minimizing dislocation or malformation.
Impact:
- CAS offers reliable quality control for surgical outcomes in facial reconstruction.
- This integrated approach has the potential to reduce the number of revision surgeries required for complex cases.
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