[Application of 3D printing technique in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy]

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• 3D Printing Technology

Background:

• Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is a common procedure for mandibular hypoplasia.
• Variability in surgical outcomes can be influenced by surgeon experience.
• 3D printing offers potential for creating patient-specific surgical guides.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of 3D printed osteotomy templates in BSSO procedures.
• To assess the impact of these templates on surgical time and accuracy.
• To compare outcomes between surgeons with varying experience levels using the templates.

Main Methods:

• 32 patients with mandibular hypoplasia underwent BSSO setback using Hunsuck modification.
• 3D models were created from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.
• 3D printed osteotomy templates were utilized for mandible bone incision in a subset of procedures.
• Surgical time and lingual split scale were used for outcome assessment.

Main Results:

• Primary healing observed in all patients with no serious complications.
• Surgical time for mandible bone incision was significantly reduced when using templates, especially for less experienced surgeons.
• The use of osteotomy templates positively influenced the split pattern accuracy.
• Fracture line accuracy improved with template use, though not all reached the standardized description.

Conclusions:

• 3D printed osteotomy templates are effective in BSSO surgery.
• Templates enhance surgical efficiency, particularly for less experienced surgeons.
• The technology facilitates improved accuracy and potentially better outcomes in BSSO.