Cao Y, Zhang W, Liang Y, Feng Z, Jiang C, Chen Z, and Jiang X
Computer Assisted Surgery (Abingdon, England) [Comput Assist Surg (Abingdon)] 2019 Dec; Vol. 24 (1), pp. 1-6. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Jan 21.
Abstract
It is technically demanding and requires rich experience to insert the translaminar facet screw(TFS) via the paramedian mini-incision approach. It seems that it is easy to place the TFS using computer-assisted design and rapid prototyping(RP) techniques. However, the accuracy and safety of these techniques is still unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy and safety of translaminar facet screw placement in multilevel unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion using a rapid prototyping drill guide template system. A patient-matched rapid prototyping translaminar facet screw guide was examined in fourteen cadaveric lumbar spine specimens. A three-dimensional (3D) preoperative screw trajectory was constructed using spinal computed tomography scans, from which individualized guides were developed for the placement of translaminar facet screws. Following bone tunnel establishment, the 3D positioning of the entry point and trajectory of the screws was compared to the preoperative plan as found in the Mimics software.Among 60 trajectories eligible for assessment, no cases of clinically significant laminar perforation were found. The mean deviation between the planned and the actual starting points on spinous process was 1.22 mm. The mean tail and submergence angle deviation was found to be 0.68°and 1.46°, respectively. Among all the deviations, none were found to have any statistical significance. These results indicate that translaminar facet screw placement using the guide system is both accurate and safe.
Orabona GD, Abbate V, Maglitto F, Committeri U, Improta G, Bonavolontà P, Reccia A, Somma T, Iaconetta G, and Califano L
The Journal Of Craniofacial Surgery [J Craniofac Surg] 2019 Oct; Vol. 30 (7), pp. 2057-2060.
Abstract
Zygomatic fractures account for 10% to 15% of all facial fractures. The surgical management of isolated zygomatic arch fractures usually requires open reduction treatment without fixation through an intraoral access. Therefore, the main problem in the non-fixed treatment of zygomatic arch fractures is related to the difficulty in obtaining a stable reduction for a period long enough to guarantee the physiological bone healing process. We propose an innovative "in-house" rapid prototyping (RP) protocol for the 3D-zygoma mask manufacture of a patient-specific protective device to apply after zygomatic arch fracture reduction. Our study includes 16 consecutive patients who underwent surgical open reduction for an isolated zygoma fracture without fixation between January 2017 and February 2018. The patients received regular postoperative checks at weeks 1 and 2. Before the device was removed, a multiple choice questionnaire was administered to measure the degree of wearability of the mask. The estimated cost of the production is around &OV0556;5 per case and the construction time is around 90 minutes. Based on the encouraging results, obtained in our experience, we hope that other studies can be conducted to confirm our procedure and improve its functionality in the field of facial trauma.
Abbate V, Iaconetta G, Califano L, Pansini A, Bonavolontà P, Romano A, Salzano G, Somma T, D'Andrea L, and Dell'Aversana Orabona G
The Journal Of Craniofacial Surgery [J Craniofac Surg] 2019 Oct; Vol. 30 (7), pp. 2106-2110.
Abstract
Background: Restoring the orbital cavity integrity in orbital floor defects is a challenging issue due to the anatomical complexity of the floor's surface. This is a showcase for technical description of a novel "in house" rapid prototyping protocol aimed to customize implant for orbital floor reconstruction. Methods: The authors present 4 cases to show our Computer-aided-design and Computer-aided-manufacturing digital workflow. The system was based on a 3D-printed press that; through a virtually designed mold, was used to conform a patient specific titanium mesh for orbital floor reconstruction. Results: The merging procedure analysis by iPlan Cranial 3.0 (Brainlab, Munich, Germany) highlighted a 0.71 ± 0.23 mm (P <0.05) discrepancy in a point-to-point superimposition between the digital planned reconstruction and the real in vivo result. Conclusions: The authors expect that this technique will reduce operative time and cost however further study and larger series may better define the applicability in everyday surgical practice.