The use of visible light-cured resin system in maxillofacial prosthetics and neuro-orthopedic surgery

The use of visible light-cured (VLC) resin was evaluated in contrast to more traditional chemical-cured resins for reconstruction of the spine in experimental rats. Such procedures are used to reconstruct vertebra in humans following corpectomy for neoplastic destruction of the spine. Numerous disadvantages exist in the use of chemical-cured resins, including excessive heat generated during the polymerization, cytotoxic effects of the nonpolymerized monomers on adjacent tissues, increased risk of infection due to impaired immunity, and distortion problems with the polymers. A new visible light-cured resin, Triad, was tested for use in maxillofacial prosthetics and for vertebral body replacement in neuro-orthopedic surgery. This study evaluated the biocompatibility of the VLC resin system as a bone implant material. The results of this study have shown the VLC resins underwent polymerization without substantial exothermic reaction and the biologic testing indicated that they are nontoxic and biocompatible. Some of the advantages noticed by using VLC resin are accuracy of fit and ease of fabrication and manipulation.