[Application of three-dimensional printing technique in repair and reconstruction of maxillofacial bone defect].

OBJECTIVE:To explore the application of three-dimensional (3-D) printing technique in repair and reconstruction of maxillofacial bone defect. METHODS:The related literature on the recent advance in the application of 3-D printing technique for repair and reconstructing maxillofacial bone defect was reviewed and summarized in the following aspects: 3-D models for teaching, preoperative planning, and practicing; surgical templates for accurate positioning during operation; individual implantable prosthetics for repair and reconstructing the maxillofacial bone defect. RESULTS:3-D printing technique is profoundly affecting the treatment level in repair and reconstruction of maxillofacial bone defect. CONCLUSION:3-D printing technique will promote the development of the repair and reconstructing maxillofacial bone defect toward more accurate, personalized, and safer surgery.