Orthognathic Surgery With 3D Printed PSI
3D surgical plan, 3D printed Splint and Cutting Guides, 3D Simulation Model
Maxillofacial department at Sheba Medical Center
More and more hospitals are using 3D to plan orthognathic surgeries. The case of a 20-year-old woman at Sheba Medical Center encapsulates the wonderful result of using 3D computer design and the use of patient specific 3D printed instruments: maxilla cutting guides, mandibula cutting guides, 3D printed Splint and 3D model for surgery simulation.
Advantages of computerized 3D design in orthognathic surgery:
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3D simulations of surgeries improve surgeons’ capabilities in designing surgery in an optimal manner.
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Pre-surgery discussions are carried out in front of a computer, saving time during surgery itself.
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Cutting guides designed according to surgery plans placed perfectly on the patient's jaw and guide the surgeon exactly how to cut the jaw. Saves a lot of time that would otherwise be wasted in measurements and deliberations during surgery.
Preparation of an intermediate splint that fits exactly to the correct position of the teeth, is printed from biocompatible materials and allows precise adjustment.
Physicians can hold a model in their hands and understand exactly what they will be doing in the OR.
Another way to treat orthognathic cases with 3D is by using the Weffer-less method; a patient customized titanium plate is printed with a custom guide. Using this guide, the maxilla is cut and holes are drilled for screws. The patient specific plate is fixed in place using the screw holes, thus bringing the maxilla to a precise position, exactly as planned with computerized planning.