Three-Dimensional Visualization of Postsurgical Airway Changes Using 3D Printing Technology in a Patient With Mandibular Prognathism: A 5-Year Follow-up Study

This case-report described the 3-dimensional (3D) evaluation of airway changes using 3D printing technology in a patient with mandibular prognathism, treated via mandibular setback surgery with maxillary posterior impaction. The airway dimensions, following orthognathic surgery, were printed using 3D printing technology and the sequential airway changes were visualized. The patient underwent orthognathic surgery for the correction of mandibular prognathism. Five years later, the airway changes were visualized and evaluated using rapid prototyping. The 3D visualization of the airway changes following surgery alerted clinicians of patients with mandibular prognathism and facilitated effective communication with their patients. This case-report documented the long-term evaluation and visualization of the postoperative airway changes in patients with mandibular prognathism using cone-beam computed tomography and 3D printing technology.
Source: Journal of Craniofacial Surgery - Category: Surgery Tags: Brief Clinical Studies Source Type: research