Efficacy of Three-Dimensional Printing in the Management of Frontal Bone Trauma

Abstract

Objectives Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma surgery is difficult because of its unique architecture and vast range of injuries in the head and neck area. This study sought to determine the potential of employing preoperative three-dimensional (3D)-printed models to improve frontal fracture healing outcomes.

Methods This prospective cohort clinical trial involved 20 patients who were surgically fitted and had a frontal bone fracture, as evidenced by computed tomography. The patients were separated into two groups: Group A: patients with frontal bone trauma reduced using 3D printing; and Group B: patients with frontal bone trauma reduced without 3D printing.

Results Compared to Group B, Group A had a considerably shorter operational time (p < 0.001). The esthetic results, complications, and functional outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. All patients in Groups A and B underwent accurate radiographic evaluations (correct placement of the titanium mesh).

Conclusion 3D printing in preoperative planning improves frontal fracture repair with respect to operative length but does not reduce intraoperative blood loss or improve postoperative function compared with normal management.

Keywords

3D printing - craniomaxillofacial - CT scan - Freihofer - frontal bone trauma

Authors' Contributions

M.K.: methodology conceptualization, formal analysis, data curation, and writing—review and editing; M.A.H.: conceptualization, formal analysis, data curation, visualization, supervision, and writing—review and editing; M.N.E.: methodology, supervision, and roles/writing. F.A.E.: formal analysis, validation, data curation, visualization, data software, writing—review and editing, and supervision. M.A.: data software, writing—review and editing, and supervision. All authors have read and agree to the published version of the manuscript.

Data Availability Statement

Data are available on request.

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 19. März 2024

Angenommen: 23. April 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
07. Mai 2024

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
24. Mai 2024

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