Technological Innovations, Risk Stratification, and Advanced Surgical Techniques in Maxillofacial Surgery

Dear Colleagues, 

Maxillofacial surgery has undergone substantial evolution in recent decades, driven by the integration of advanced digital technologies and the refinement of surgical techniques. The transition from conventional planning to computer-assisted workflows has significantly improved precision, predictability, and patient-specific customization. Technologies such as virtual surgical planning (VSP), CAD/CAM systems, patient-specific implants, intraoperative navigation, and neuronavigation have redefined the management of craniofacial trauma, dentofacial deformities, and oncologic reconstruction. 

In parallel, the development of minimally invasive approaches—including endoscopic-assisted procedures, piezoelectric surgery, and refined transoral or limited-access techniques—has contributed to reduced surgical morbidity, shorter hospital stays, and improved postoperative recovery. At the same time, advances in complex open surgical techniques, supported by digital planning and customized devices, have enhanced outcomes in extensive craniofacial and skull base reconstructions. 

Augmented reality (AR) platforms now enable real-time superimposition of digital planning onto the operative field, improving spatial orientation and intraoperative accuracy. Furthermore, the identification of prognostic factors and the implementation of risk stratification models, increasingly supported by artificial intelligence and machine learning, are strengthening preoperative assessment and outcome prediction. 

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue dedicated to the technological, methodological, and surgical innovations transforming maxillofacial surgery. 

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of technological innovations, novel surgical techniques (both minimally invasive and advanced open procedures), and prognostic assessment strategies in maxillofacial surgery, emphasizing their translational impact and clinical applicability. The topic fully aligns with the scope of Medicina, which promotes high-quality clinical, translational, and interdisciplinary research aimed at improving patient care and advancing medical knowledge. 

In this Special Issue, original research articles, systematic reviews, narrative reviews, and clinical studies are welcome. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and CAD/CAM applications;
• Patient-specific implants and 3D printing technologies;
• Augmented reality in maxillofacial surgery;
• Intraoperative navigation and neuronavigation systems;
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning in diagnosis and outcome prediction;
• Risk stratification models and prognostic biomarkers;
• Minimally invasive and endoscopic-assisted maxillofacial techniques;
• Advanced open surgical approaches in craniofacial and skull base reconstruction;
• Regenerative medicine and biomaterials in craniofacial surgery;
• Robotic-assisted and computer-guided procedures. 

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Stefania Troise
Guest Editor

Dr. Giulia Togo
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Medicina is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• maxillofacial surgery
• minimally invasive surgery
• risk stratification
• virtual surgical planning
• CAD/CAM
• augmented reality
• neuronavigation
• computer-assisted surgery
• regenerative medicine
• artificial intelligence