With the help of GAIA Biomodels’ 3D surgical planning, Bristol Vet Specialists performed a complex surgery that restored Nyx’s ability to open her mouth, transforming her quality of life.
Imagine not being able to open your mouth. No eating properly, no grooming, no yawning. That was Nyx’s reality when she arrived at Bristol Vet Specialists.
An old injury had left her jaw completely fused shut due to ankylosis, making even the most basic daily functions impossible. Surgery was the only way forward—but with her joints locked in place, the team had to plan every step carefully. That’s where 3D surgical planning came in.
That’s where 3D surgical planning came in.
Nyx’s condition wasn’t just challenging—it was the kind of once-in-a-career case that makes even the most experienced surgeons pause. Severe malocclusion, intra-articular and extra-articular ankylosis, and fused bone structures made for a tricky roadmap. The team needed more than just CT scans to plan their approach.
So, we stepped in to help. Using Nyx’s CT imaging, we built a virtual 3D model of her skull, mapping every detail of the fused joints. This wasn’t just about looking at the problem—it was about fully understanding it before even touching a scalpel.
“The ability to visualize every notch, every point of fusion—before surgery even began—was crucial in planning the approach and reducing potential complications.
Once the team had explored the virtual model, we 3D printed a physical biomodel that acted as a surgical map. This gave the surgeons something tangible—something they could hold, study, and reference in the theatre. Every fused joint, every structural change, was there in their hands.
The surgery itself was intense. The team performed a zygomectomy and coronoidectomy, removing sections of bone to free Nyx’s jaw. Adding to the challenge was her airway management—since she couldn’t open her mouth, the anaesthesia team had to use endoscopy-guided intubation, a technique that required pinpoint precision.
By the end of the procedure, Nyx’s mouth—previously locked at just 1cm—could now open up to 4cm. That’s life-changing for her. She can eat properly, groom herself, and just be a normal cat again.
A post-op CT confirmed the success of the procedure, and while she still has some recovery ahead, the hardest part is behind her.
Cases like Nyx’s prove just how powerful 3D surgical planning can be. These tools don’t just help visualize a problem—they help surgeons execute faster, reduce risk, and make better decisions in the OR.
At GAIA Biomodels, we’re not just making models. We’re helping brilliant veterinary teams like Bristol Vet Specialists tackle their toughest cases with confidence.
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