New Trends and Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Dentistry and Oral Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 July 2026 | Viewed by 6041

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Interests: orthognathic surgery; 3D technologies; regenerative medicine; virtual surgical planning; machine learning; virtual reality; augmented reality; minimally invasive surgery; guided surgery; robotic surgery

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Guest Editor
Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery, Head-Neck and NeuroScience Department, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
Interests: oral and maxillofacial surgery; medical device design; 3D printing and rapid prototyping
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Maxillofacial surgery has had significant advancements in recent years thanks to the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI), deep and machine learning systems, and virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which have allowed for progress in the diagnosis of pathologies, as well as in pre-operative planning and surgical techniques.

The integration of these innovations with endoscopic-assisted and robotic-assisted surgery, minimally invasive procedures, 3D printing, CAD-CAM systems, and patient-specific implants enable the performance of increasingly tailored and personalized surgery on patients, guaranteeing accuracy, safety, and effectiveness.

This Special Issue aims to collect the most recent research in this field, focusing on the following topics:

  • Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in traumatology, oncology, orthognathic, and TMJ surgery;
  • Endoscopic-assisted and robotic-assisted surgery;
  • Digital Workflows: CAD-CAM technologies and in-house manufacturing of custom-made solutions for patient-specific implants and surgical cutting guides; 3D printing applications; prosthetics rehabilitation;
  • Regenerative medicine, fat and bone grafting, advanced biomaterials for osseointegration and reconstructive surgery;
  • Radiomics feature and machine learning to improve strategies of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning
  • Minimally invasive approaches: exploration of new tools and techniques that reduce patient morbidity and recovery time;
  • Telemedicine and digital twins.

All authors conducting research on the above-mentioned topics are invited to publish their work in this Special Issue, which is aimed at enhance the collaboration between surgeons and other professional figures, including engineers, radiologists, and biologists.

Original research, systematic reviews, and clinical trials that focus on the effectiveness and the accuracy of these tools in patient care pathways are welcome.

Dr. Stefania Troise
Dr. Alessandro Tel
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • orthognathic surgery
  • 3D technologies
  • regenerative medicine
  • virtual surgical planning
  • machine learning
  • virtual reality
  • augmented reality
  • minimally invasive surgery
  • guided surgery
  • robotic surgery

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 2350 KB  
Article
B-Onic Platform for Point-of-Care 3D Printing in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Clinical Implementation and Surgical Impact
by José Luis Cebrián-Carretero, Marta Pampín-Martínez, José Tadeo Borjas Gómez, Celia del Peso Ley, Rubén Rubio Bolivar, Celia Matín Cubillo, Bárbara Martínez de Miguel, Montserrat Bret Zurita, Federico Gutiérrez Larraya, Javier Cobas Gamallo, Carlos Navarro-Cuéllar and Jorge Magaña
Medicina 2026, 62(2), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62020319 - 3 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 699
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The integration of digital planning and point-of-care (POC) manufacturing has expanded rapidly in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS); however, evidence focusing on regulated, platform-based workflows and their clinical impact remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The integration of digital planning and point-of-care (POC) manufacturing has expanded rapidly in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS); however, evidence focusing on regulated, platform-based workflows and their clinical impact remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and organizational impact of implementing a unified digital ecosystem centered on the B-Onic platform in routine OMFS practice. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted comparing OMFS procedures planned and executed using the B-Onic platform with a historical control cohort managed with conventional workflows. Surgical cases were categorized into four pathology-based subgroups: facial trauma, oncologic resection and reconstruction, orthognathic surgery, and craniofacial or skull base surgery. Outcomes included preoperative planning time, validation time for guides and implants, surgical duration, intraoperative plan modifications, postoperative complications, 30-day rehospitalization rates, length of hospital stay, and estimated intraoperative blood loss. Results: A total of 110 cases managed using the B-Onic platform were compared with 72 historical control cases. Implementation of the platform was associated with significant reductions in preoperative planning time, validation time, and surgical duration. Clinically relevant improvements were observed in postoperative outcomes, including lower complication rates, reduced 30-day rehospitalization, shorter hospital stays, fewer intraoperative plan modifications, and decreased estimated blood loss. The magnitude of benefit was greatest in high-complexity procedures—particularly oncologic resection and reconstruction and craniofacial or skull base surgery—while more modest effects were observed in orthognathic surgery, reflecting optimized baseline outcomes. Conclusions: The adoption of a regulated, platform-based POC digital ecosystem in oral and maxillofacial surgery is associated with meaningful improvements in workflow efficiency, surgical reproducibility, and postoperative outcomes, especially in complex procedures. These findings support the integration of unified digital platforms as a core component of contemporary OMFS practice and provide OMFS-specific evidence of their clinical and organizational value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
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21 pages, 3679 KB  
Article
Academic Point-of-Care Manufacturing in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Retrospective Review at Gregorio Marañón University Hospital
by Manuel Tousidonis, Gonzalo Ruiz-de-Leon, Carlos Navarro-Cuellar, Santiago Ochandiano, Jose-Ignacio Salmeron, Rocio Franco Herrera, Jose Antonio Calvo-Haro and Ruben Perez-Mañanes
Medicina 2026, 62(1), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010234 - 22 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 821
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Academic point-of-care (POC) manufacturing enables the in-hospital design and production of patient-specific medical devices within certified environments, integrating clinical practice, engineering, and translational research. This model represents a new academic ecosystem that accelerates innovation while maintaining compliance with medical device [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Academic point-of-care (POC) manufacturing enables the in-hospital design and production of patient-specific medical devices within certified environments, integrating clinical practice, engineering, and translational research. This model represents a new academic ecosystem that accelerates innovation while maintaining compliance with medical device regulations. Gregorio Marañón University Hospital has established one of the first ISO 13485-certified academic manufacturing facilities in Spain, providing on-site production of anatomical models, surgical guides, and custom implants for oral and maxillofacial surgery. This study presents a retrospective review of all devices produced between April 2017 and September 2025, analyzing their typology, materials, production parameters, and clinical applications. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted on 442 3D-printed medical devices fabricated for oral and maxillofacial surgical cases. Recorded variables included device classification, indication, printing technology, material type, sterilization method, working and printing times, and clinical utility. Image segmentation and design were performed using 3D Slicer and Meshmixer. Manufacturing used fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA) technologies with PLA and biocompatible resin (Biomed Clear V1). Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: During the eight-year period, 442 devices were manufactured. Biomodels constituted the majority (approximately 68%), followed by surgical guides (20%) and patient-specific implants (7%). Trauma and oncology were the leading clinical indications, representing 45% and 33% of all devices, respectively. The orbital region was the most frequent anatomical site. FDM accounted for 63% of the printing technologies used, and PLA was the predominant material. The mean working time per device was 3.4 h and mean printing time 12.6 h. Most devices were applied to preoperative planning (59%) or intraoperative use (35%). Conclusions: Academic POC manufacturing offers a sustainable, clinically integrated model for translating digital workflows and additive manufacturing into daily surgical practice. The eight-year experience of Gregorio Marañón University Hospital demonstrates how academic production units can enhance surgical precision, accelerate innovation, and ensure regulatory compliance while promoting education and translational research in healthcare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
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14 pages, 2112 KB  
Article
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of Bone Density After Sagittal Split Osteotomy Using the Novel Modification of Low Z Plasty Technique
by Passorn Nuntapolchai, Siripatra Patchanee, Chanekrid Oupadissakoon, Phetcharat Chatmongkhonkit and Narissaporn Chaiprakit
Medicina 2026, 62(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010062 - 28 Dec 2025
Viewed by 829
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the pattern and quantity of bone regeneration after mandibular setback surgery using a novel modification of the low Z plasty (NM-Low Z plasty) technique by measuring bone density (Hounsfield unit) at the osteotomy site [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the pattern and quantity of bone regeneration after mandibular setback surgery using a novel modification of the low Z plasty (NM-Low Z plasty) technique by measuring bone density (Hounsfield unit) at the osteotomy site over a 12-month postoperative period using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included six patients with skeletal Class III deformity who underwent bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) setback using the NM-Low Z plasty technique between 2021 and 2023 at Thammasat University Hospital. CBCT images were obtained preoperatively and at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Bone density at the buccal, cancellous, and lingual aspects of the osteotomy gap was measured using Blue Sky Plan 4 software. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to determine reliability. Descriptive statistics, repeated-measures analysis of variance and multiple linear regression analysis were performed for comparisons. Results: At 12 months postoperatively, bone density in all measured regions was not significantly different compared to the postoperative measurements, indicating sufficient bone regeneration. The cancellous and lingual cortical regions exhibited earlier recovery than the buccal cortex. No postoperative complications such as wound infection, delayed union, or non-union were reported. Conclusions: BSSO using the NM-Low Z plasty technique offers reliable bone healing outcomes with stable bone regeneration, thereby providing a viable alternative to conventional BSSO techniques. Radiographic evidence confirmed its clinical applicability and potential to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
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Review

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11 pages, 689 KB  
Review
Use of Robotic Surgery for the Management of Orbital Diseases: A Comprehensive Review
by Riccardo Nocini, Lorenzo Marini, Luca Michelutti, Chiara Zilio, Stefania Troise, Salvatore Sembronio, Giovanni Dell’Aversana Orabona, Massimo Robiony and Alessandro Tel
Medicina 2025, 61(6), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61061081 - 12 Jun 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1900
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Robotic surgery represents one of the most significant innovations in the field of surgery, offering new opportunities for the treatment of complex pathologies that require greater accuracy and precision. It is a technology that has become widely used in [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Robotic surgery represents one of the most significant innovations in the field of surgery, offering new opportunities for the treatment of complex pathologies that require greater accuracy and precision. It is a technology that has become widely used in general, urologic, gynecologic, and cardio-thoracic surgery, but has a limited evidence in the head and neck region. This review explores the use of robotic surgery in orbital pathology, focusing on its applications, benefits, and limitations. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional search method was performed in multiple databases to answer the following question: “What are the applications of robotic surgery in the management of orbital pathologies?” Studies were carefully reviewed by two simultaneous researchers, and, in case of disagreement, a third researcher was engaged. Care was taken to identify the surgical hardware (robotic station) used to perform the surgical procedure. Results: Out of 491 records, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. These included cadaveric, preclinical, in vitro, and early clinical investigations assessing robotic approaches for fronto-orbital advancement, tumor resection, orbital decompression, and other surgical procedures such as lacrimal gland dissection and biopsy, medial and lateral orbital wall dissections, enucleation, and lid-sparing orbital exenteration. The robotic systems evaluated included the Da Vinci Xi, Da Vinci SP, Medineering Robotic Endoscope Guiding System, and a modular multi-arm concentric tube robot, each with specific advantages and limitations. Conclusions: Robotic surgery provides significant advantages for orbital pathologies such as improved precision, visualization, and tissue preservation, with reduced complications and faster recovery, although some limitations still exist. Future advancements, such as smaller instruments and AI integration, promise to improve outcomes, making robotic surgery more effective in treating orbital conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends and Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
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