Assessment of the efficacy of 3D virtual surgical planning compared with traditional planning in maxillofacial reconstruction for facial traumatic deformity.

BACKGROUND

Maxillofacial reconstruction is a critical surgical procedure aimed at restoring function and aesthetics following trauma. Traditional surgical planning methods have been widely used, but the adoption of 3D virtual surgical planning (VSP) systems has shown potential for improving clinical outcomes. Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness of traditional surgical planning with that of VSP in patients undergoing maxillofacial reconstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving patients treated from January 2020 to December 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent traditional planning (TP), and those who utilized the 3D VSP system. Preoperative and postoperative data, including surgery duration, blood loss, complications, hospital stay, revision surgeries, bone healing, and functional outcomes, were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 142 patients were included, with 68 in the TP group and 74 in the VSP group. The VSP group showed shorter surgery duration and lower intraoperative blood loss. Postoperatively, the fit of bone segments was superior in the VSP group. Radiographic analysis indicated higher precision in bone fragments and increased airway volumes in the VSP group. Aesthetic and functional outcomes, including facial symmetry and maxillofacial function, were also significantly better in the VSP group. However, bone healing time was slightly longer for the VSP group.

CONCLUSION

The VSP system demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of surgical precision, reduced intraoperative blood loss, and improved postoperative aesthetics and function compared with TP methods.