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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
Designing CAD/CAM Surgical Guides for Maxillary Reconstruction Using an In-house Approach
Published on: August 24, 2018
Is a computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing method for mandibular reconstruction economically
Achille Tarsitano1, Salvatore Battaglia1, Salvatore Crimi2
1Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital (Head: Prof. Claudio Marchetti), Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Via S. Vitale 59, 40125 Bologna, Italy.
Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) mandibular reconstruction offers significant time savings and fewer complications compared to traditional freehand methods. This advanced technology proves cost-effective, with savings from reduced operating time and hospital stays offsetting initial expenses.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Health Economics
Background:
- Patient-specific implants and cutting guides enhance mandibular reconstruction planning and execution.
- While CAD-CAM technology shows improved outcomes, its cost-effectiveness requires thorough evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the economic impact of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) mandibular reconstruction versus traditional freehand techniques.
- To compare operational time, complication rates, and hospitalization duration between the two methods.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study comparing 20 patients undergoing CAD-CAM reconstruction with 20 patients undergoing freehand reconstruction for mandibular neoplasms.
- Data collected included operative time, complications, and length of hospital stay to calculate cost-effectiveness.
Main Results:
- CAD-CAM group: mean operative time 435 min; 0% microvascular complications; 13.8 days hospital stay.
- Freehand group: mean operative time 550.5 min; 10% microvascular complications; 17 days hospital stay.
- CAD-CAM resulted in an average time gain of 115.5 min, saving approximately €3,450 in theatre costs.
Conclusions:
- CAD-CAM technology for mandibular reconstruction offers significant advantages in surgical efficiency and patient outcomes.
- The cost of CAD-CAM is justifiable and likely covered by savings in surgical time, improved reconstruction quality, and reduced complication management.
- CAD-CAM is poised to become a standard reconstructive method due to its overall benefits.
