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Published on: October 18, 2021
Maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation using extraoral implants.
Alessandra Leonardi1, Sara Buonaccorsi, Valentina Pellacchia
1II Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome La Sapienza Azienda Ospedaliera S. Andrea, Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Via di Grottarossa, Rome, Italy. leonardialessandra@hotmail.com
Prosthetic rehabilitation using implants offers a viable surgical alternative for facial reconstruction when traditional methods are unsuitable. This study highlights successful functional-aesthetic outcomes in diverse patient cases, demonstrating the efficacy of implant-supported facial prostheses.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Prosthetic rehabilitation serves as a crucial surgical alternative for functional-aesthetic facial reconstruction.
- It is indicated when conventional reconstructive surgery is contraindicated due to patient psychophysical conditions or excessive tissue loss.
Observation:
- 35 facial prostheses supported by 111 implants were placed between May 2002 and the study's conclusion.
- Defect etiologies included congenital (12), trauma (8), malignant tumors (8), and infection (7).
- Implants were successfully placed in 4 patients with previously irradiated areas.
Findings:
- Titanium implants supported 21 auricular, 4 orbital, 8 nasal, and 2 midfacial prostheses.
- Two implant failures occurred in a patient with Hepatitis C and post-transplant nasal necrosis, necessitating an adhesive prosthesis.
- One implant failure in a diabetic patient with a mycotic infection did not compromise prosthesis retention.
Implications:
- Implant-supported epitheses are indicated when conventional reconstructive interventions are inapplicable.
- This approach provides functional and aesthetic restoration for complex facial defects.
- Careful patient selection and management are crucial for optimizing outcomes in challenging cases.
