Using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technology for foreign body removal from soft tissues: a case report

Abstract

Background: When foreign bodies are located deep within the tissue, removal is often difficult. In recent years, computer-assisted surgery (CAS) has been widely adopted in surgery, including the removal of foreign bodies. Among various techniques, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology has been widely employed for hard tissue management in the oral and maxillofacial region, and reports on the application of CAD/CAM technology for procedures involving soft tissues are lacking. In this study, we report a case in which CAD/CAM technology is used to facilitate the removal of a foreign body located in the soft tissue. Case presentation: A 25-year-old female underwent metal plate and screw removal in 2020; however, a metal fragment remained lodged in the buccal soft tissue on the left side of the lower jaw. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a high-density area, indicating a metal fragment measuring 1.5 × 1.3 × 2.5 mm. We identified the exact location of the fragment using preoperative CT data processed with Mimics® (Materialise). A surgical guide was designed using Magics® (Materialise) and fabricated using a 3D printer, enabling precise identification of the vertical and horizontal positions of the foreign body within the soft tissue. The use of CAD/CAM technology facilitated accurate localization and rapid removal of the fragment. The operative time of removal was 1 h and 5 min. Minimal bleeding occurred, and the postoperative course was uneventful, with no signs of infection or nerve damage. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the successful application of CAD/CAM technology for the identification and removal of a foreign body from soft tissue.