Influence of Computer-Aided Manufacturing Material on Accuracy of Novel Custom 3D-Printed Cutting Guide in Canine Segmental Mandibulectomy: A Cadaveric Study

Introduction: The objectives of this study are to (1) design a 3D-printed custom guide for canine segmental mandibulectomy and (2) evaluate the impact of different materials (metal vs. polymer) on the performances of the guided procedure in cadaveric dogs.

Materials and Methods: Twenty canine cadaveric heads were randomized into two study groups and received segmental mandibulectomies performed with a metal or polymer surgical guide. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) images of the skull were used to design custom 3D-printed surgical guides and repeated after placement and osteotomy. Mean absolute linear deviation between planned and performed cuts, procedure duration, and qualitative assessment were compared between treatment groups.

Results: Polymer guides were associated with easier (p = 0.020) and faster (p = 0.036) placement. No incidence of failure was recorded when using metal guides, whereas 30 and 15% of polymer guides experienced cracking and fissuring, respectively (p = 0.0012). Dorsal displacement and gap formation between the guide and mandibular body were noted in 7/20 metal guides on CT. The mean absolute linear deviation between planned and performed cuts was not significantly different between material groups.

Discussion/Conclusion: The study did not demonstrate any difference in procedural accuracy between materials used for surgical guide manufacturing. Polymer guides presented several advantages including easier and efficient placement despite a high incidence of failure which did not affect their accuracy. The difficulty of placement encountered with metal guides relates to the rigidity of the material but did not impact their accuracy. Surgical guide design could be further tailored to its applications and respective material properties and limitations.

Acknowledgment

This work was funded by the 2023 NCSU DOCS Firestone and VPP Resident Grant.

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
15. Juli 2025