Background: Although three-dimensional (3D)-printed digital ostectomy templates (DOTs) can help surgeons perform mandibular angle ostectomy (MAO) more precisely and safely, the clinical application of such templates is problematic.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a novel DOT and improve the precision of MAO.
Methods: A total of 20 patients with a prominent mandibular angle (PMA) were allocated into 2 groups (10 patients per group). A conventional DOT and a novel DOT were applied to guide MAO in Groups A and B, respectively. The mean time taken for curved osteotomy and the volume of postoperative drainage on 1 side within 24 hours were recorded. The deviations between the simulated and postoperative lower border of the mandible were measured on both sides.
Results: All the patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcomes. Statistical results showed that the mean time taken for curved osteotomy was shorter in Group B than in Group A, and that the volume of postoperative drainage on 1 side within 24 hours was similar between the 2 groups. The deviations at the anterior and posterior parts of the inferior border showed that the accuracy of osteotomy was higher in Group B than in Group A, and that there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the middle part.
Conclusions: The novel DOT is easy to locate and fix tightly, which reduced the operating time and increased the safety and precision of the procedures.
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