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Updated: Aug 27, 2025
3D Planning and Printing of Patient Specific Implants for Reconstruction of Bony Defects
Published on: August 4, 2020
Anterolateral thigh perforator flap made by customized 3D-printing fabrication of fixed positioning guide for
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Oncology Surgery the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University School/Hospital of Stomatology, Xinjiang Medical University Stomatological Research Institute of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region No. 137 Liyushan South Road, 830054 Urumqi, China 34527623@qq.com.
Background:
Oromaxillofacial carcinomas frequently result in serious tissue defect due to enlarged resection for treating their extensive invasion, which require challenging reconstruction. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an advanced technology which has greatly promoted the progress of craniomaxillofacial reconstructive surgery. This present study aimed to investigate the advantages of anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap manufactured by 3D printing fixed positioning guide template in curing oromaxillofacial defect.
Material And Methods:
Twenty patients with oromaxillofacial defects resulted from severe primary malignant tumors were divided into experimental group assisted by digital technique (n=8) and controlled group conventionally aided by ultrasound (n=12). The therapeutic effectiveness, flap preparation time, amount of bleeding, deviation of perforator vessel location, aesthetic satisfaction of donor site, postoperative complications, adverse symptom of flap, and LEFS scores were compared.
Results:
For experimental group, flap preparation time was significantly shorter; and it has obviously less bleeding, minor deviation of perforator vessel location, and better aesthetic satisfaction of donor site (P<.001). There was no statistical difference in postoperative complications and LEFS scores between two groups (P>.05).
Conclusions:
The study suggests 3D printing template of fixed positioning guide provides a brand-new method for orienting perforated vessels of ALT flap, which is more accurate in clinical application. It can improve the operative efficacy, and increase the successful rate of operation as well.
