Custom-made 3D-printed face masks in case of pandemic crisis situations with a lack of commercially available FFP2/3 masks.

In the case of pandemic crisis situations, a crucial lack of protective material such as protective face masks for healthcare professionals can occur. A proof of concept (PoC) and prototype are presented, demonstrating a reusable custom-made three-dimensionally (3D) printed face mask based on materials and techniques (3D imaging and 3D printing) with global availability. The individualized 3D protective face mask consists of two 3D-printed reusable polyamide composite components (a face mask and a filter membrane support) and two disposable components (a head fixation band and a filter membrane). Computer-aided design (CAD) was used to produce the reusable components of the 3D face mask based on individual facial scans, which were acquired using a new-generation smartphone with two cameras and a face scanning application. 3D modelling can easily be done by CAD designers worldwide with free download software. The disposable non-woven melt-blown filter membrane is globally available from industrial manufacturers producing FFP2/3 protective masks for painting, construction, agriculture, and the textile industry. Easily available Velcro fasteners were used as a disposable head fixation band. A cleaning and disinfection protocol is proposed. Leakage and virological testing of the reusable components of the 3D face mask, following one or several disinfection cycles, has not yet been performed and is essential prior to its use in real-life situations. This PoC should allow the reader to consider making and/or virologically testing the described custom-made 3D-printed face masks worldwide. The surface tessellation language (STL) format of the original virtual templates of the two reusable components described in this paper can be downloaded free of charge using the hyperlink (Supplementary Material online).

Non-surgical risk factors for condylar resorption after orthognathic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Condylar resorption following orthognathic surgery is an important cause of late skeletal relapse. However, its pathogenesis is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to find non-surgical risk factors for condylar resorption after orthognathic surgery. PATIENTS: In this retrospective study, 17 patients (Group I) who developed postoperative condylar resorption were selected. These patients were compared with 22 patients (Group II) without postoperative condylar resorption, but who showed mandibular hypoplasia with a preoperative high mandibular plane angle of more than 40 degrees. METHODS: Possible non-surgical risk factors were sought by analysing clinical and radiological data collected preoperatively and immediately, 6 weeks, and 1 and 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of gender distribution between the two groups. Patients in Group I were significantly younger (p=0.02) than those in Group II. The incidence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in both groups was similar preoperatively, but was significantly higher (p=0.001) postoperatively in Group I. The posterior inclination of the condylar neck in Group I was also significantly greater (p<0.001). The preoperative mandibular plane angle in Group I (mean value: 49.4 degrees ) was significantly greater (p=0.005) than in Group II (mean value: 44.9 degrees ). The preoperative SNB angle, overbite, and posterior facial height and ratio (posterior/anterior facial heights) in Group I were significantly smaller (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that the posteriorly inclined condylar neck should be considered as a relevant non-surgical risk factor.