Three-dimensional simulation of the nasoalveolar cleft defect

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Craniofacial Reconstruction

Background:

• Unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) presents complex surgical challenges.
• Nasoalveolar bone grafting is a critical step in UCLP treatment.
• Accurate pre-surgical planning is essential for optimal graft outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a reproducible, manual, step-by-step planning process for creating three-dimensional (3D) models of nasoalveolar bone grafts.
• To evaluate the utility of 3D visualization and life-size graft templates in secondary alveolar osteoplasty for UCLP patients.

Main Methods:

• 3D reconstruction of alveolar clefts using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in 10 UCLP patients.
• Manual planning of graft models using specialized 3D planning software (iPlan ENT 3.0).
• Fabrication of graft templates using 3D printing technology (Objet30 Pro).

Main Results:

• A reproducible, manual, step-by-step planning methodology for nasoalveolar bone grafts was successfully established.
• The process generated 3D visualizations and life-size graft templates.
• The planning method, while manual, proved effective for the studied cases.

Conclusions:

• The described manual 3D planning process provides a viable method for creating nasoalveolar bone graft models.
• 3D visualization and templates derived from this process can aid surgeons during secondary alveolar osteoplasty.
• This approach offers a valuable tool for enhancing surgical precision in UCLP treatment.