Bioprinting Techniques for Creating Patient-specific Implants in Treating Craniofacial Disorders-A Systematic Review

Craniofacial disorders are complex and debilitating conditions that require personalized treatment approaches. Various technologies in the field of bioprinting have developed into promising methods for the production of patient-specific implants for the aforementioned disorders. This review evaluates the ability of the bioprinting methods used to produce patient-specific implants for improved patient outcomes.

A comprehensive search strategy was designed to gather pertinent research from databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, Cochrane Library, Embase, ProQuest and Science Direct, published till July 2024. The search approach was developed by mixing Boolean operators, Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms, and free-form terms to guarantee an exhaustive and accurate search.

After a thorough screening process for duplicates and compliance with eligibility criteria, seven studies met our exacting inclusion criteria, out of the initial 312 studies. The collective findings of the studies demonstrated the efficacy and feasibility of bioprinting techniques in creating patient-specific implants for craniofacial disorders. The studies were grouped into three categories based on their similarities and dissimilarities, highlighting the high success rates and low complication rates of bioprinting techniques in craniofacial reconstruction, the feasibility and effectiveness of bioprinting techniques in specific craniofacial applications, and the use of custom-made implants as a successful treatment option. Majority (five out of seven) reporting a 100% success rate, minor complication rates averaging less than 5%, and patient satisfaction rates over 90% across a range of craniofacial applications, the reviewed studies collectively showed the excellent efficacy of bioprinting techniques.

The synthesised evidence from the seven studies included for the review concluded that bioprinting methods were efficient in producing custom or individual specific implants for craniofacial disabilities. Though the results are promising, multicentric, prospective studies are needed to validate long term outcomes.