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Genioglossus advancement is a surgical technique performed to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The genial tubercle, where the genioglossus muscle attaches, is not visible during dissection due to its location on the posterior mandible. Computer-aided design, particularly for the production of cutting guides, has arisen as a modern modification in the procedure to support accurate location of the tubercle. This study aims to demonstrate the utility of cutting guides designed by virtual surgical planning in a series of 7 genioglossus advancement cases. Computed Tomography (CT) data were preoperatively collected and rendered in three-dimension. The surgeon designed patient-specific cutting guides, registered to the occlusion, to ensure the genial tubercle was included in the osteotomy and stayed below the incisor tooth roots. These surgical guides were then 3D-printed. All the virtual surgical planning-designed guides fit appropriately, the genial tubercle was successfully included in the osteotomy in all cases, and no tooth roots were injured. We conclude that occlusal-based 3D printed cutting guides are a useful adjunct to help guide a genioglossus advancement procedure by accurately incorporating the genial tubercle. This provides a safe way to concurrently address correction of obstructive sleep apnea in patients undergoing other procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In orthopedic surgery and maxillofacial there is a growing use of augmented reality (AR) as a technology to increase the visual perception of the surgeon in the operating room. The objective of this review is to analyze the state of the art in the use of AR for osteotomies, highlighting the advantages and the most-known open issues to be addressed in the future research. Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed and IEEE Xplore databases have been explored with a keyword search, setting the time limits from January 2017 to January 2023, inclusive. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines has been used in this review, focusing on anatomical districts, real-virtual environment interaction, advantaged and limitations of existing AR-based applications. 49 articles met the inclusion criteria and have been selected in the final analysis. For the sake of clarity, works have been grouped according to the anatomical district, but also the real-virtual environment interaction methodology was reported, as well as information regarding accuracy assessment. A Quality Function Deployment (QFD) has been used to assess the AR-based solutions with regards to the more traditional freehand (FH) and Patient Specific Template (PST) approaches. Finally, some suggestions to foster the AR-based solution adoption in osteotomies treatment have been drawn, considering the highlighted advantages and limitations of this technology. The AR resulted to meet the surgeons' needs more than other traditional approaches. Among the emerged advantages, AR can lead to a better surgical field accessibility, more flexible solutions and lower the management effort. Nonetheless, future research should address some well-known issues, among which the calibration time, the robustness of the tracking, and the HMDs discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immediate implant restoration by prefabricated prosthesis has multiple benefits. However, the design and insertion workflow of the prosthesis may influence the seating. Purpose: Evaluation of seating accuracy of prefabricated interim prosthesis of different designs and insertion workflows for immediate restoration of implants placed via static computer‐assisted implant surgery (sCAIS). Materials and Methods: A maxillary model without incisors was used to plan for two implants at the lateral incisor locations. According to the planned implants, sCAIS surgical template and a four‐unit interim prosthesis were designed. Four prostheses were fabricated based on the design and insertion workflow. The first prosthesis involved complete fabrication (CF) of the interim prosthesis, where the interim prosthesis is fabricated for laboratory attachment to abutments. The other three prostheses were produced by partial fabrication (PF), where the interim prosthesis shell was produced with internal spacing between the fitting surface and the abutments. The PF prostheses were cemented on abutments attached to the inserted implants. Three different PF prosthesis designs were included with different levels of internal spacing: 100 μm (PF.1), 200 μm (PF.2), and 300 μm (PF.3). A total of 15 surgical models received implants on which each prosthesis was seated and scanned by a laboratory scanner. The vertical, horizontal, and proximal contact errors were measured. Results: Although all prostheses were seated on every model, the CF prostheses had greater vertical error, followed by PF.1, PF.2, and PF.3 prostheses, respectively. A similar pattern was observed for proximal contact error, where PF.3 was most superior. PF.3 prostheses had the least horizontal error than the other prostheses. Conclusions: All interim prostheses experienced errors at the vertical, horizontal, and proximal surfaces, which can be attributed to deviations of the inserted implants. The PF of interim prosthesis with increased internal spacing for intraoral insertion appeared to reduce seating errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the cooling performance of three different surgical methods for bone splitting during implant dentistry procedures. Methods: An in vitro study was conducted on bovine ribs to test the cooling performance of three osteotomy methods: conventional osteotomy with standard cooling irrigation, template-assisted osteotomy with standard cooling irrigation, and modified template-assisted osteotomy with additional cooling fluid through internal irrigation channels in the surgical guide. A negative control group without cooling was also included. Temperature measurements were taken during the procedures using a contactless infrared thermometer. Results: The results showed that the conventional osteotomy without cooling resulted in the highest mean of the peak temperatures (114.7 °C ± 45.4), while the modified template-assisted osteotomy with additional cooling achieved the lowest mean of the peak temperatures (29.4 °C ± 7). Statistically significant differences in temperature were observed among the groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study rejected the null hypothesis and demonstrated that the cooling method used during bone splitting procedures significantly affected the temperature development at the surgical site. The modified template-assisted osteotomy with additional cooling provided the best cooling performance. However, caution should be exercised in interpreting the results due to the limitations of the in vitro study. Further research with stronger external validity is needed to confirm these findings and explore their applicability in clinical settings to benefit patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Conclusion Surgical guides are commonly used to assist with dental implant placement. This study investigated the effects of five sterilization and disinfection methods on the accuracy of implant guides.Thirty surgical guides (five in each group) were designed and printed (with digital light processing technology) using different sterilization or disinfection methods categorized into six groups: hydrogen peroxide sterilization (group one); glutaraldehyde sterilization (group two); autoclaving (group three); plasma sterilization (group four); iodophor disinfection (group five); and blank group (group six). Verification was determined using three methods: distance and angle between the cross‐shaped marks, deformation after superimposing the guides, and displacement and axial changes in the virtual implant.After disinfection and sterilization, the guides in the autoclaving and iodophor groups showed a more pronounced color change and the guide in the autoclaving group had visible cracks. More significant changes were observed in the H2O2, glutaraldehyde, autoclaving, and iodophor groups regarding deformation after superimposing the guides and the distance and angle between the cross‐shaped marks. The average labial deformation values (mm) of the first through fifth groups of guides were 0.283, 0.172, 0.289, 0.153, and 0.188, respectively. All groups were statistically different from the blank group for displacement and axial changes of the virtual implant (p < 0.05).The sizes of almost all surgical guides changed after sterilization and disinfection treatments, with between‐group differences. Plasma sterilization was more suitable for surgical guide sterilization because of the smaller deformations after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Proper preoperative planning benefits fracture reduction, fixation, and stability in tibial plateau fracture surgery. We developed and clinically implemented a novel workflow for 3D surgical planning including patient-specific drilling guides in tibial plateau fracture surgery. Methods: A prospective feasibility study was performed in which consecutive tibial plateau fracture patients were treated with 3D surgical planning, including patient-specific drilling guides applied to standard off-the-shelf plates. A postoperative CT scan was obtained to assess whether the screw directions, screw lengths, and plate position were performed according the preoperative planning. Quality of the fracture reduction was assessed by measuring residual intra-articular incongruence (maximum gap and step-off) and compared to a historical matched control group. Results: A total of 15 patients were treated with 3D surgical planning in which 83 screws were placed by using drilling guides. The median deviation of the achieved screw trajectory from the planned trajectory was 3.4° (interquartile range (IQR) 2.5 to 5.4) and the difference in entry points (i.e. plate position) was 3.0 mm (IQR 2.0 to 5.5) compared to the 3D preoperative planning. The length of 72 screws (86.7%) were according to the planning. Compared to the historical cohort, 3D-guided surgery showed an improved surgical reduction in terms of median gap (3.1 vs 4.7 mm; p = 0.126) and step-off (2.9 vs 4.0 mm; p = 0.026). Conclusion: The use of 3D surgical planning including drilling guides was feasible, and facilitated accurate screw directions, screw lengths, and plate positioning. Moreover, the personalized approach improved fracture reduction as compared to a historical cohort. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(1):46–52.

The digital transformation has revolutionized various sectors, including dentistry. Dentistry has emerged as a pioneer in embracing digital technologies, leading to advancements in surgical and prosthetic oral healthcare. Immediate loading for full-arch edentulous dental implants, once debated, is now widely accepted. This case report describes a 74-year-old patient with dental mobility and significant bone loss who was rehabilitated using a Toronto Bridge protocol on four dental implants with immediate loading. Digital planning, surgical guides, 3D printing, and precision techniques were employed. The surgery involved implant placement and prosthetic procedures. The patient reported minimal post-operative discomfort, and after four months, the definitive prosthesis was successfully placed. This case demonstrates the efficacy of immediate loading in complex dental scenarios with digital innovation, resulting in improved patient outcomes. The full digital workflow, including 3D printing and the use of modern materials, enhances the efficiency and predictability of oral rehabilitation, marking a transformative era in dental care. The integration of digital technology in all phases of treatment, from diagnosis to finalization, makes this approach safer, reliable, and efficient, thereby benefiting both patients and clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to dental diseases, anatomical restrictions, and mixed dentition, the reduction in the number of teeth and the displacement of tooth germs pose challenges in orthodontic treatment, limiting anchorage options. The presented case demonstrates an advanced treatment solution using digital CAD/CAM-technologies and medical imaging for the creation of a mini-implant template. A 12-year-old male patient experiencing delayed tooth eruption, multiple impacted germs, and maxillary constriction underwent intraoral scanning and CBCT. Utilizing coDiagnostiXTM Version 10.2 software, the acquired data were merged to determine the mini-implant placement and to design the template. The template was then manufactured through stereolithography using surgical-guide material. Mini-implants were inserted using the produced appliance, enabling safe insertion by avoiding vital structures. Surgically exposed displaced teeth were aligned using a Hyrax screw appliance anchored on the mini-implants for rapid palatal expansion (RPE) and subsequently used as fixed orthodontics to align impacted teeth. The screw was activated daily for 10 weeks, resulting in a 7 mm posterior and 5 mm anterior maxillary transversal increase. Skeletal anchorage facilitated simultaneous RPE and tooth alignment, ensuring accuracy, patient safety, and appliance stability. The presented case shows a scenario in which computer-aided navigation for mini-implant positioning can enhance precision and versatility in challenging anatomical cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digital transformation has revolutionized various sectors, including dentistry. Dentistry has emerged as a pioneer in embracing digital technologies, leading to advancements in surgical and prosthetic oral healthcare. Immediate loading for full-arch edentulous dental implants, once debated, is now widely accepted. This case report describes a 74-year-old patient with dental mobility and significant bone loss who was rehabilitated using a Toronto Bridge protocol on four dental implants with immediate loading. Digital planning, surgical guides, 3D printing, and precision techniques were employed. The surgery involved implant placement and prosthetic procedures. The patient reported minimal post-operative discomfort, and after four months, the definitive prosthesis was successfully placed. This case demonstrates the efficacy of immediate loading in complex dental scenarios with digital innovation, resulting in improved patient outcomes. The full digital workflow, including 3D printing and the use of modern materials, enhances the efficiency and predictability of oral rehabilitation, marking a transformative era in dental care. The integration of digital technology in all phases of treatment, from diagnosis to finalization, makes this approach safer, reliable, and efficient, thereby benefiting both patients and clinicians.

This article explores the significance of 3D-printed surgical guides in dental implant surgery and their impact on treatment outcomes. Through a comprehensive literature review, the benefits and advancements of utilizing 3D-printed surgical guides are analyzed, highlighting their role in enhancing precision, efficiency, and success rates in dental implant procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acetabular component positioning in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is of key importance to ensure satisfactory post-operative outcomes and to minimize the risk of complications. The majority of acetabular components are aligned freehand, without the use of navigation methods. Patient specific instruments (PSI) and three-dimensional (3D) printing of THA placement guides are increasingly used in primary THA to ensure optimal positioning., Aim: To summarize the literature on 3D printing in THA and how they improve acetabular component alignment., Methods: PubMed was used to identify and access scientific studies reporting on different 3D printing methods used in THA. Eight studies with 236 hips in 228 patients were included. The studies could be divided into two main categories; 3D printed models and 3D printed guides., Results: 3D printing in THA helped improve preoperative cup size planning and post-operative Harris hip scores between intervention and control groups ( P = 0.019, P = 0.009). Otherwise, outcome measures were heterogeneous and thus difficult to compare. The overarching consensus between the studies is that the use of 3D guidance tools can assist in improving THA cup positioning and reduce the need for revision THA and the associated costs., Conclusion: The implementation of 3D printing and PSI for primary THA can significantly improve the positioning accuracy of the acetabular cup component and reduce the number of complications caused by malpositioning., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Different printing technologies can be used for prosthetically oriented implant placement, however the influence of different printing orientations and steam sterilization remains unclear. In particular, no data is available for the novel technology Continuous Liquid Interface Production. The objective was to evaluate the dimensional accuracy of surgical guides manufactured with different printing techniques in vertical and horizontal printing orientation before and after steam sterilization. A total of 80 surgical guides were manufactured by means of continuous liquid interface production (CLIP; material: Keyguide, Keyprint), digital light processing (DLP; material: Luxaprint Ortho, DMG), stereolithography (SLA; Surgical guide, Formlabs), and fused filament fabrication (FFF; material: Clear Base Support, Arfona) in vertical and horizontal printing orientation (n = 10 per subgroup). Spheres were included in the design to determine the coordinates of 17 reference points. Each specimen was digitized with a laboratory scanner after additive manufacturing (AM) and after steam sterilization (134 °C). To determine the accuracy, root mean square values (RMS) were calculated and coordinates of the reference points were recorded. Based on the measured coordinates, deviations of the reference points and relevant distances were calculated. Paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA were applied for statistical analysis (significance p < 0.05). After AM, all printing technologies showed comparable high accuracy, with an increased deviation in z-axis when printed horizontally. After sterilization, FFF printed surgical guides showed distinct warpage. The other subgroups showed no significant differences regarding the RMS of the corpus after steam sterilization (p > 0.05). Regarding reference points and distances, CLIP showed larger deviations compared to SLA in both printing orientations after steam sterilization, while DLP manufactured guides were the most dimensionally stable. In conclusion, the different printing technologies and orientations had little effect on the manufacturing accuracy of the surgical guides before sterilization. However, after sterilization, FFF surgical guides exhibited significant deformation making their clinical use impossible. CLIP showed larger deformations due to steam sterilization than the other photopolymerizing techniques, however, discrepancies may be considered within the range of clinical acceptance. The influence on the implant position remains to be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized surgical field devoted to diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the oral cavity, jaws, face and related structures. In recent years, the integration of 3D printing technology has revolutionized this field, offering a range of innovative surgical devices such as patient-specific implants, surgical guides, splints, bone models and regenerative scaffolds. In this comprehensive review, we primarily focus on examining the utility of 3D-printed surgical devices in the context of oral and maxillofacial surgery and evaluating their efficiency. Initially, we provide an insightful overview of commonly utilized 3D-printed surgical devices, discussing their innovations and clinical applications. Recognizing the pivotal role of materials, we give consideration to suitable biomaterials and printing technology of each device, while also introducing the emerging fields of regenerative scaffolds and bioprinting. Furthermore, we delve into the transformative impact of 3D-printed surgical devices within specific subdivisions of oral and maxillofacial surgery, placing particular emphasis on their rejuvenating effects in bone reconstruction, orthognathic surgery, temporomandibular joint treatment and other applications. Additionally, we elucidate how the integration of 3D printing technology has reshaped clinical workflows and influenced treatment outcomes in oral and maxillofacial surgery, providing updates on advancements in ensuring accuracy and cost-effectiveness in 3D printing-based procedures., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press.)

Aim The study aims to compare the accuracy of dynamic navigation (DN) and static guides (SGs) for simultaneous adjacent parallel placement of implants, the time taken for the surgery, and the ease of handling the instruments. Materials and methods This prospective trial was carried out at the Department of Implantology of Saveetha Dental College from October 2022 to February 2023. A total of 20 patients who needed simultaneous adjacent dental implants were allocated randomly into two groups: Group 1 SG surgery and Group 2 DN surgery. Forty implants were placed, 20 under DN and 20 under SG. Bucco-lingual displacement, apico-coronal displacement, mesiodistal displacement, and mesiodistal angulation were compared between the two groups. The patients' data in both groups were evaluated by operating surgeons along with the surgical time taken and the ease of handling of instruments. Results The 20 patients who underwent implant placement in the DN and SG groups all had adjacent missing teeth in posterior sites, including lower posteriors (70%) and upper posteriors (30%). There was improved precision in relation to the mesiodistal displacement and angulation of the anterior implant of the adjacent parallel implants. The mesiodistal displacement in Group 1 (SG) was 5.61 + 3.1 mm, which was higher than Group 2 (DN), which was 0.55 + 0.56 mm. The mesiodistal angulation was 3.1 + 2.9 degrees in Group 2 and 0.42 + 0.5 degrees in Group 1. The second implant had a significant difference (p < 0.005) in mesiodistal displacement, mesiodistal angulation, and bucco-lingual displacement. The difference between the intergroup surgical time (mean + SD) in Group 1 was 30 + 4.5 mins and in Group 2 was 60.7 + 10.1 mins, with p < 0.05 statistically significant. The comfort of the operator was better in the SG group. Conclusion Any digitally aided implant placement technique can improve placement accuracy but each has its downfalls. Achieving the highest levels of precision and long-lasting prosthetic results hinges on both the suitability of the chosen case and the expertise of the surgeon performing the implant placement., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Parekar et al.)

Objectives: Pediatric upper extremity fractures are seen frequently and sometimes lead to malunion. Three-dimensional (3D) surgery planning is an innovative addition to surgical treatment for the correction of post-traumatic arm deformities. The detailed planning in three dimensions allows for optimization of correction and provides planning of the exact osteotomies which include the advised material for correction and fixation. However, no literature is available on the precision of this computerized sizing of implants and screws. This study aimed to investigate the differences between 3D planned and surgically implanted screws in patients with a corrective osteotomy of the arm., Methods: Planned and implanted screw lengths were evaluated in patients who underwent a 3D planned corrective osteotomy of the humerus or forearm using patient-specific 3D printed drill- and sawblade guides. Postoperative information on implanted hardware was compared to the original planned screw lengths mentioned in the 3D planned surgery reports., Results: Of the 159 included screws in 17 patients, 45% differed >1 mm from the planned length (P<0.001). Aberrant screws in the radius and ulna were often longer, while those in the humerus were often shorter. Most aberrant screws were seen in the proximity of the elbow joint., Conclusion: This study showed that 3D-planned screws in corrective osteotomies of the humerus and forearm differ significantly from screw lengths used during surgery. This illustrates that surgeons should be cautious when performing osteotomies with 3D techniques and predefined screw sizes., Competing Interests: N/A, (2024 © BY THE ARCHIVES OF BONE AND JOINT SURGERY.)