The Use and Outcomes of 3D Printing in Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has demonstrated efficacy in multiple surgical specialties. As accessibility improves, its use in specific fields deserves further attention. We conducted a systematic review of the implementation and outcomes of 3D printing in pediatric craniofacial surgery, as none has been performed. A systematic review was conducted according to Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Clinicaltrials.gov were queried with combinations of the terms: “3D printing,” “craniofacial,” “surgery,” and “pediatric.” Original human studies containing patients <18 years old implementing 3D printing to aid in craniofacial surgery were included. Study selection, grading, and data extraction were performed independently by multiple authors. After screening 120 articles, 7 (3 case series and 4 case reports) were included, published from 2017 to 2022. All studies addressed patients with different disease processes including craniosynostosis, cleft lip/palate, and mandibular hypoplasia. 3D printing was used to create mock surgical models in 2 studies, intraoperative cutting guides/molds (CGs) in 6 studies, and cranioplasty implants in 2 studies. Two case series determined the accuracy of the CGs was acceptable within historical comparison, while 4 articles included subjective statements on improved accuracy. Five studies noted reduced operating time, 2 noted reduced intraoperative blood loss, and 1 felt the use of 3D printed materials was responsible for shorter hospitalization duration. No adverse events were reported. Despite the limitations of the current literature, all studies concluded that the use of 3D printing in pediatric craniofacial surgery was beneficial. Definitive conclusions cannot be made until further controlled research is performed.