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Three-Dimensional Printing for Craniofacial Surgery: A Single Institution's 5-Year Experience
Blaike M Dumas1, Ana Nava2, Huay-Zong Law1
11 Department of Plastic Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a valuable tool for craniofacial surgeons, particularly for complex cases. While useful, lower-volume centers may find commercial printing more cost-effective.
Area of Science:
- Medical Technology
- Surgical Planning
- 3D Printing Applications
Background:
- Increasing availability and affordability of 3D printers.
- Surgeons considering in-house 3D printing for cleft and craniofacial centers.
- Need to evaluate the practical experience with 3D printing technology in a clinical setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a multi-surgeon center's 5-year experience with 3D printing.
- To inform surgeons about the adoption of 3D printing technology.
- To assess the utility and cost-effectiveness of in-house 3D printing.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 106 3D models printed between 2012 and 2017.
- Classification of models by type (craniofacial/non-craniofacial) and diagnosis.
- Survey of craniofacial team members on model usefulness and lessons learned.
Main Results:
- 3D printing was frequently used for complex craniosynostosis, hemifacial microsomia, and fibrous dysplasia.
- Printing times averaged 7.4 hours for skulls and 6.0 hours for maxillofacial prints.
- Average material cost was approximately $60 for a complete skull; most useful for orthognathic planning.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing proved beneficial for all participating craniofacial surgeons.
- All surgeons would reinvest in 3D printing technology.
- Commercial printing may be more cost-effective for centers with lower 3D model volumes.
