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Craniomaxillofacial reconstructive surgery is a challenging field. First it aims to restore primary functions and second to preserve craniofacial anatomical features like symmetry and harmony. Three-dimensional (3D) printed biomodels have been widely adopted in medical fields by providing tactile feedback and a superior appreciation of visuospatial relationship between anatomical structures. Craniomaxillofacial reconstructive surgery was one of the first areas to implement 3D printing technology in their practice. Biomodeling has been used in craniofacial reconstruction of traumatic injuries, congenital disorders, tumor removal, iatrogenic injuries (e.g., decompressive craniectomies), orthognathic surgery, and implantology. 3D printing has proven to improve and enable an optimization of preoperative planning, develop intraoperative guidance tools, reduce operative time, and significantly improve the biofunctional and the aesthetic outcome. This technology has also shown great potential in enriching the teaching of medical students and surgical residents. The aim of this review is to present the current status of 3D printing technology and its practical and innovative applications, specifically in craniomaxillofacial reconstructive surgery, illustrated with two clinical cases where the 3D printing technology was successfully used.

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Children with craniofacial abnormalities associated with retromicrognathia and glossoptosis often have compromised upper airway flow. In severe cases, emergency intubation is necessary immediately after birth, and tracheostomy is advocated to manage the airway in the neonatal period and to allow for feeding. Early intervention with bilateral mandibular osteogenesis avoids the need for tracheostomy, along with its complications, and it targets the primary etiologic factor of the problem—the anomalous anatomy of the mandible. We report two neonates with severe Pierre Robin sequence managed with bilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis on day 9 and day 11 of life. The surgical techniques and distraction and consolidation periods were similar apart from the distraction devices used. The procedures were successful with early extubation (day 5 and day 7), oral feeding tolerance (day 11 and day 13) and hospital discharge (day 19 and day 18). Total mandibular distraction was 19 mm and 23.45 mm, respectively. No major complications were reported. Medium to long-term results were good. Bilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis in the neonate is a safe and accurate procedure and is the primary option in cases of selected severe Pierre Robin sequence.

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