Background : An appropriate simulation-based training model can be invaluable for educating new surgical techniques. 3D-printed models provide an accurate anatomical morphology of a specific patients edentulous ridge. Due to extreme resorption patterns of the alveolar ridge, a need for advanced surgical procedures has become common. By understanding the mechanical properties of bone we can alter printable resin to give a more realistic procedure simulation, which is similar to that of actual surgery.Aim/Hypothesis : The aim of this project is to show that a scientifically altered 3D model is able to elicit a more realistic response, similar to that of in vivo bone, as well as provide a better tactile sensation, for surgeons, when simulating a more advanced implant surgical procedure.Material and Methods : Within the literature the specific mechanical properties of different bone types has been reported, in particular the elastic modulus (stiffness). It is therefore a surprise that no simulation models have been reported about, in terms of a comparison to in vivo bone. Even though no one material currently gives us the same elastic modulus as cortical or cancellous bone, by combining printable resins with different mechanical properties, a hybrid material can give us a more mechanically accurate simulation model. Retrospectively the hybrid material was tested against the standard 3D-printable resin by printing the same 3D patient model and carrying out the customised alveolar ridge split technique on both models; having already carried out the surgery in vivo. During a second case we were able to test the material prospectively before the live surgery.Results : It was apparent that the hybrid material, combining the two different printable resins, produced a model that gave a more realistic result to that seen on the patient retrospectively. When the same material was used prospectively to 3D print a different case, a successful result was transferable from the model to the patients actual surgery.
Conclusion and Clinical Implications :The implications of a surgical simulation model that provides more accurate tactile sensation and similar mechanical properties to that of in vivo bone is invaluable for training surgeons. They may also help more advanced surgeons push the boundary when treating cases, which have limited treatment options. An accurate surgical simulation can increase the predictability of a procedure and hopefully reduce patient complications intra-operatively.
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