Benefits of 3D printing applications in jaw reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has changed surgical practice over the past few years, especially in maxillofacial surgery. However, little is known about its real clinical impact. The objectives of our study were to identify clinical outcomes that have been evaluated in the literature regarding 3D printing applications in jaw reconstruction, and to quantify the impact of this technology on operating times.

A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed and EMBASE to collect comparative studies on 3D printing applications in jaw reconstruction. A meta-analysis of operating times was then performed. A Cochran's Q test was used to determine heterogeneity, and the overall effect size was calculated using a random effects model.

Fourteen studies were included in our review. Eighteen clinical end-points were identified, of which the most frequently reported were operating time (n = 5; 35.7%) and the final aesthetic result (n = 4; 28.6%). Operating times were significantly lower in the 3D printing groups, with an overall estimated effect of 21.2% (95% CI 10-33%; p < 0.001).

The use of 3D printing in jaw reconstruction was associated with a significant reduction in operating times. The end-points evaluated differed largely among the studies. More studies with higher levels of evidence are needed to confirm our results.