Emergence of Three-Dimensional Printing Technology and Its Utility in Spine Surgery

In the last decade, spine surgery has advanced tremendously. Tissue engineering and three-dimensional (3D) printing/additive manufacturing have provided promising new research avenues in the fields of medicine and orthopedics in recent literature, and their emergent role in spine surgery is encouraging. We reviewed recent articles that highlighted the role of 3D printing in medicine, orthopedics, and spine surgery and summarized the utility of 3D printing. 3D printing has shown promising results in various aspects of spine surgery and can be a useful tool for spine surgeons. The growing research on tissue bioengineering and its application in conjunction with additive manufacturing has revealed great potential for tissue bioengineering in the treatment of spinal ailments.

Computer Aided Designing-Computer Aided Milling in Prosthodontics: A Promising Technology for Future.

Computer aided designing-computer aided milling (CAD-CAM) technology was introduced to dentistry way back in 1971. Over the years there has been a constant upgradation in the quality and popularity of its application to dentistry. CAD-CAM fabricated prosthesis though initially were considered costly and technique sensitive, nowadays they are being extensively used because of advancements in various CAD-CAM systems that have gained popularity. Th e ease of work and reduced chair side time makes them a boon while providing prosthodontics treatment. Dental CAD-CAM systems are being used not only for crowns and bridges, inlays and onlays but also for fabrication of removable prosthesis, stents, and implant components. Th is article reviews the evolution of the CAD-CAM system and its applications in the fi eld of dentistry over the past two and a half decades.

A CAD-CAM prosthodontic option and gingival zenith position for a rotated maxillary right central incisor: An evaluation.

Objective: Even with beautifully done restorations, an unattractive gingival zenith position, can negatively affect the smile of a person. In this short communication we describe the treatment of a rotated maxillary right central incisor using a digital photographic approach instead of the conventional approach. Background: The conjecture literature on prosthodontic considerations and gingival zenith position in cases of rotated maxillary central incisors is sparse. The gingival zenith level (GZL) in an apical-coronal direction of lateral incisors, relative to the gingival tangential zenith line joining the adjacent central incisor and canine, is approximately 1 mm under healthy conditions. Materials and Methods: For our patient, the treatment plan was decided by CAD-CAM technique as Zirconia, jacket crown. Clinical procedures included enameloplasty on the left central and right lateral maxillary incisors. Reduction of the rotated and crooked incisor was performed in the normal manner; periodontal plastic surgery was also done. Results: The patient expressed satisfaction with the intermediary (preliminary) two-dimensional photographs that were provided by the CAD-CAM system. The technique distinguished among the different treatment modalities for aesthetics and to relieve the emotional problems which were faced by female patient. The gingival zenith level of the rotated incisor was also improved. Conclusion: Digital imaging provides an immediate treatment option for the patients. Software also provides an interim aid, for the clinician as well as technician, in the form of two-dimensional photographs. CAD-CAM is entirely a helping instrument against the conservative prosthetic options and gingival zenith position for a rotated central incisor. It helps in patient education and in motivation.

Application of CAD/ CAM techniques in repair of defects and correction of deformity on the jaw bones / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To apply the techniques of CAD/CAM in the repair of defects and correction of deformity on the jaw bones so as to improve the accuracy and controllability of operations.Methods With CAD techniques,3D bone model was reconstructed based on CT images.Then,a repairing model was created with mirror operation on original model.The physical models of original model and repairing model were fabricated through rapid prototyping.Based on physical models,operation plan and model surgery with pre-forming plate could be designed.Results The designed operation plan and pre-forming plate techniques of CAD/CAM were successfully applied in eight patients,with satisfactory results.Conclusions With techniques of CAD/CAM,reconstructing and fabricating the original bone model and mirror repair model are very helpful for designing operation plan for maxillofacial surgery.It also can improve the surgery accuracy and save operation time obviously.