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Orthognathic model surgery with LEGO key-spacer.

Alfred Chee-Ching Tsang¹, Alfred Siu Hong Lee, Wai Keung Li

¹Consultant Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon, Department of Health, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, China.

Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery : Official Journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

|September 19, 2013

Summary

A novel model surgery technique uses LEGO plates as key-spacers, reducing setup time and allowing detailed analysis of segment movement. This method preserves the preoperative setup for enhanced surgical planning.

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Area of Science:

Orthodontics
Dental modeling
Surgical planning

Background:

Conventional plaster model methods for surgical planning are time-consuming.
Accurate preoperative setup and analysis of segment movement are crucial for successful surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce and describe a new, efficient model surgery technique using LEGO plates as key-spacers.
To compare the time efficiency and analytical capabilities of the LEGO key-spacer technique with conventional methods.

Main Methods:

A novel model surgery technique utilizing LEGO plates as key-spacers was developed.
The setup time for the LEGO technique was compared to the conventional plaster model method.
The ability to retain preoperative setup and measure segment movement was assessed using LEGO key-spacers.

Main Results:

The LEGO key-spacer technique significantly reduces model surgery setup time compared to traditional plaster methods.
This new method effectively retains the preoperative setup using the same set of models.
Detailed measurement and examination of segment movement are facilitated by LEGO key-spacers.

Conclusions:

The LEGO key-spacer technique offers a more time-efficient and detailed approach to model surgery.
This innovative method enhances the precision and ease of surgical planning in orthodontics.
The LEGO key-spacer technique represents a valuable advancement in dental surgical preparation.