3D maxillofacial surgery planning - one decade development of technology

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Patient-specific implants are a high-technology standard in modern reconstructive surgery.
• Traditional surgical planning relies on surgeon experience and case information.
• Virtual surgical planning and CAD/CAM integrate advanced technology into daily practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To trace the development of digital technologies in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
• To highlight the role of virtual surgical planning and patient-specific implants.
• To present case examples illustrating the application of these technologies.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing virtual 3D imaging and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM).
• Employing 3D printed bone models for pre-operative planning and osteotomy preparation.
• Leveraging 20 years of surgical planning experience and digital technology development.

Main Results:

• Virtual 3D images have replaced traditional plaster models.
• Digital analysis has superseded film profile analysis.
• 3D printed models facilitate better understanding of deformity morphology and surgical preparation.

Conclusions:

• Patient-specific implants and virtual planning are integral to advanced reconstructive surgery.
• Digital technologies, including 3D printing, have significantly improved surgical planning and execution.
• The integration of these technologies enhances the understanding and treatment of complex maxillofacial cases.