Date: June 2024.
Source: Heliyon. 2024 Jun 7;10(12):e32513. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32513. PMID: 38994088; PMCID: PMC11237927.
Introduction: The reconstruction of both extra- and intra-oral soft tissue defects, particularly in restoring the morphology of the lip and the corners of the mouth, has posed a significant challenge for surgeons. Inappropriate methods often lead to maxillofacial deformity which then causes psychological and functional problems. This study aimed to address the challenge of reconstructing extensive and complex maxillofacial soft tissue defects, mainly focusing on the lip, the corners of the mouth, and the surrounding areas.
Materials and Methods: We developed a reconstruction approach by combining the 3dMDface System (3dMD) with the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Firstly, with the extra-oral incision line, we evaluated the shape and the size of the extra-oral defect with 3dMD digitally. Then we used the corresponding maxillary and mandible tooth positions to record the intra-oral defect, which was then converted to digital images by combining 3dMD and CBCT. The islands of the anterolateral thigh perforator flap were then designed after the locations of the perforators were detected with Doppler ultrasonography.
Results: A clinical case diagnosed as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans was presented to illustrate the approach. The patient’s tumor resection and the size of multiple defects were measured and simulated via the virtual surgery system. A three-island perforator flap from the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery was designed accurately. Two weeks postoperatively, the flap was healed as anticipated and the patient was satisfied with the profile.
Conclusions: The combination of the 3dMD and CBCT technologies improves the accuracy and fitness of extra- and intra-oral soft tissue reconstruction.

Article: Precise maxillofacial soft tissue reconstruction: A combination of cone beam computed tomography and 3dMD photogrammetry system.
Authors: Kaizhao Guo, Min Li, Jiewen Qi, Shengyang Han, Xiaoshan Wu, Feng Guo.

Related Articles:

  1. Three-dimensional prediction of nose morphology in Chinese young adults: a pilot study combining cone-beam computed tomography and 3dMD photogrammetry system. G Chu, JM Zhao, Mq Han et al.
  2. Three-Dimensional Analyses of Postoperative Effects of Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (SARPE) on the Soft Tissue of the Midface Region and the Upper Airway Space Using Stereophotogrammetry and Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). W Heldmaier, D Lonic, DJ Loeffelbein.
  3. Evaluation of the effect of orthodontic treatment on the reliability of facial recognition by using three-dimensional model superimposition technique. Q Zhou, J Wang, Y Tang, W Bu, J Gao, S Du, Y Guo, Y Guo, H Meng.
  4. Three dimensional quantitative study of soft tissue changes in nasolabial folds after orthodontic treatment in female adults. Q Zhou, J Gao, D Guo et al.