Rapid-printed Three-dimensional Models for Craniomaxillofacial Trauma

Dear Editor, This is a response to a published article, “Rapid-printed Three-dimensional Models for Craniomaxillofacial Trauma.1” This study solves a critical challenge in 3-dimensional (3D) printing for medical applications by minimizing the variables that influence printing time while preserving adequate model quality to preengineer the osteosynthesis plate. The authors reduced the printing time for a mandibular and middle jaw fracture model from nearly 7 hours to just 1 hour by optimizing the resolution and print orientation and reducing the region of concern, all while maintaining the fit of the available osteosynthesis plate. It was shown that the procedure time may be greatly reduced to less than an hour; this optimization method results in more efficient patient-specific surgical models, which is critical for clinical practice. Although the time efficiency increases are noteworthy, the trade-offs between print quality and time in this study have not been thoroughly studied, particularly how these enhanced models affect surgical precision and results. One critical problem that requires additional consideration is the effect of the reduced resolution on the model’s clinical usefulness. Although this study found only minor changes in plate-to-model spacing (0.22 and 0.34 mm for the mandible and maxilla, respectively), these variances may nonetheless have clinical relevance. Minor plate misalignment, for example, can cause intraoperative difficulties and negative postoperative outcomes. It is critical to investigate if these little alterations have long-term implications for surgical precision, therapy, and complications, particularly when the fracture is complex. Furthermore, although this study only looked at 2 locations (the maxilla and mandible), it does not discuss how these findings extend to other fracture types or more complex anatomy. Future research could examine whether optimizing additional printing parameters beyond resolution, orientation, and cropping could significantly reduce printing time while maintaining model accuracy. For example, evaluating different 3D printing materials (eg, resins with different mechanical properties) could allow faster printing without compromising the structural integrity required for surgical planning. Furthermore, it would be important to consider whether time-saving techniques could be applied to different types of facial fractures, or whether specific fracture models for different anatomical regions need to be developed. The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning may be a potential avenue. By predicting the most time-saving printing settings based on fracture type, model complexity, and desired resolution, AI systems could further simplify the optimization process. Additionally, investigating hybrid 3D printing methods that blend traditional manufacturing with rapid prototyping may enhance the accuracy and speed of surgical models. In addition to increasing the effectiveness of preoperative planning, these developments aid in the creation of implants and devices tailored to each patient, which has the potential to transform personalized medicine in maxillofacial surgery. DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The authors used AI for language editing and translation of the article.