Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2025
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Treatment of Facial Deformities using 3D Planning and Printing of Patient-Specific Implants
Published on: May 23, 2020
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Simulating the Morphological Changes of Facial Deformities after Using 3D-printed Polyether Ether Ketone Facial
Ahmad Fayez Ahmad1, Hekmat Yacoub1, Ali Khalil1
1From the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Tishreen Hospital, Lattakia, Syria.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|August 8, 2024
Summary
Patient-specific implants (PSIs) precisely fit anatomical defects. This study shows PSIs accurately predict soft tissue changes after maxillofacial reconstruction surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Engineering
- Plastic Surgery
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Patient-specific implants (PSIs) offer tailored solutions for anatomical reconstruction.
- PSIs are designed for precise fit, addressing defects and deformities.
- Predicting surgical outcomes, particularly soft tissue changes, is crucial for reconstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of virtual design in predicting soft tissue changes after maxillofacial reconstruction using patient-specific implants.
- To assess the clinical efficacy of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implants in facial deformities.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with facial deformities underwent maxillofacial reconstruction with PSIs between 2020-2021.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans informed 3D virtual design and soft tissue reconstruction using ExoCad 3.0.
- Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implants were fabricated and surgically placed, followed by a 6-month follow-up and comparison of virtual vs. actual results.
Main Results:
- The absolute difference between predicted and actual soft tissue changes was minimal (≤0.3 mm) for all patients.
- Only two out of ten patients exhibited deviations greater than 20% from the predicted outcome.
Conclusions:
- The virtual design technique accurately predicts morphological changes in facial soft tissues covering patient-specific polyether ether ketone implants.
- This method enables virtual design tailored to patient aesthetic requirements, enhancing surgical predictability.
