Application Of 3D Digital Technology In The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Craniofacial Defect

Background Craniofacial bone defect is one kind of clinical frequently-occurring deformities,which usually be caused by congenital dysplasia,or secondary to craniofacial tumor resection,craniocerebral trauma and decompressive craniectomy.Cranioplasty is one of the oldest surgical operations.It has been innovated under the efforts of surgeons.The repair materials have experienced continuous innovation from ancient metals,gourds,animal tissues,to artificial materials such as polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA),titanium mesh(TI),hydroxyapatite,polyether ether ketone(PEEK),etc.Recently,the rough preoperative estimation and the traditional technique of sculpture during operation are also replaced by digital technology.The operation time has been shortened,the accuracy of surgical result has been improved,and the operative complications are reduced.With the development of digital technology,craniofacial bone defect repair has entered a new era.Objective To study the application of digital technology in the diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial bone defects,and to explore the advantages of digital technology as compared with traditional methods.Methods This paper reviewed and analyzed 15 patients who needed craniofacial bone defect reconstruction from 2010 to 2019 in digital maxillofacial plastic center of plastic surgery hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.Typical cases were selected to elaborate the specific application of digital technology in different types of craniofacial bone defect repair.The effect and advantages of digital technology in craniofacial bone defect repair were analyzed and evaluated.Conclusion The application of digital technology in the diagnosis and treatment of craniofacial bone defect can make the most appropriate operation plan according to the deformity and defect situation of different patients,By selecting the appropriate reparative materials and 3-D printing the personalized implants of patients,digital technology can reduce the risk of operation and achieve the surgical outcom of precise operation and personalized treatment.