Shaping a smile, Shaping a future
Author: Tarun Tampi, imaginarium
Imaginarium prides itself in providing support to the Life Sciences, particularly in the field of Medicine. Thanks to Additive Manufacturing (AM) and associated 3D technologies, it is now possible to convert CT or MRI scans, hitherto used for visual examination, into digital data than can be used to print parts for use in medical treatment.
3D Printing or rather, Additive Manufacturing (AM), is making ground-breaking advances in medical applications all over the world. Today, there is no part of healthcare that can be left untouched by 3D Printing. It is an invaluable tool that makes patient-specific healthcare a reality available to all, helping doctors plan and execute surgeries precisely to the specifications of every individual patient, and for medical manufacturers, where customization can truly make a world of a difference. And then 3D Printing does things that have never been done before! This truly is the future of healthcare.
Demonstrating one of Imaginarium's experiences with the capabilities of AM technologies in medicine is this case study, involving a twenty-one year old male with a congenital deformity. The deformity resulted in a fused mandible and a protruding jaw, which made it difficult for him to speak, eat and even express himself.
To correct the deformity, Dr Denil Solanki, a surgeon at PDU Government Medical College, Rajkot, India, collaborated with Imaginarium in formulating the right strategies to use in this oral-maxillofacial surgery. Regarding the deformity and the unique challenge this surgery posed, Dr Solanki said,
"Generally, mild to moderate types of mandibular prognathism is prevalent in the southern parts of India. These types of cases are rarely found in Gujarat or northern India. As such, nobody had yet treated or operated a case with severe prognathism in Gujarat, particularly in a government setup. In literature, most case studies involve prognathism ranging from 4 -10 mm, but in this case prognathism ranged from almost 19 - 20 mm. This severity was a big challenge to correct (via intra-oral approach) without leaving any marks on the patient’s face."
Rapid Prototyped (also 3D Printing) models are increasingly being used by doctors in India and abroad to enhance the effectiveness of surgical operations, be it orthopedic, dental or crani-maxillofacial, or even cosmetic. For Dr. Solanki,
"...the model helped us design the osteotomy cuts and anticipate any proposed difficulties or complications we might face while doing surgery. We were able to judge the possible outcome by doing 'model' surgery. It was also helpful in educating the patient by making him aware of the possible outcomes as well as preparing him for any complications."
CT scan data from the patient was used to create an exact model of the deformed crani-maxillofacial area (in polymer) using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology.
Using the model, Dr. Solanki finalised on his surgical approach,
"...after putting all my efforts in this case via facial analysis, cephalometery and mock surgery on RP models, we decided to set the mandible back by 12 mm by doing a bilateral sagital split osteotomy and then set the maxilla forward by 6 mm by doing a Le Fort I osteotomy (butterfly shaped). A remaining 2 mm was compensated for by orthodontic treatment. The entire procedure was done from inside the mouth without leaving any incision or scar mark on patient’s face."
The before & after images are testimony to the magical transformation that has brought a smile to the boys’ family, to the doctors involved, to us…and above all, to the boy himself!
Speaking to Dr. Solanki about his experience and the effectiveness of using 3D printed models, he echoed the sentiments of surgeons world over when he said,
"No other technology can provide such precise and in-depth overviews of the human (bony) anatomy in a custom yet cost effective way."
We are truly excited to be part of this revolution in personalised medical treatment. A revolution in patient-specific healthcare – be they instruments, devices, implants or anatomical models.
AM is making a huge difference in the medical world and we sincerely believe its use in medicine will be among its most significant applications.
Not just in shaping our smiles, but in shaping our very futures.