Three-dimensional printing automatic registration navigational template for mandibular angle osteotomy surgery

The prominent mandibular angle is considered as unattractive in Asians because it gives the face a square, coarse, and muscular appearance. Mandibular angle osteotomy (MAO) is commonly used to correct prominent mandibular angles through an intraoral approach. This study aims to improve the accuracy and safety of surgery for MAO through optimized design of 3D printing navigational template. Computed tomographic (CT) data were imported into Mimics 14.0 software and surgical simulations were performed. An automatic registration navigational template was designed and fabricated. The osteotomy operations were performed on ten fresh head specimens with individualized navigational templates. Measurements and statistical analysis of three-dimensional models were performed on virtual and actual post-operations. The results were evaluated using paired t-test. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed between the virtual and actual post-operations. In conclusion, the MAO can be performed accurately and safely using the 3D printing automatic registration navigational template.