Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
06:16
The Miniature Pig: A Large Animal Model for Cochlear Implant Research
Published on: July 28, 2022
3.6K
Experimental findings on customized mandibular implants in Göttingen minipigs - a pilot study
J Markwardt1, P Sembdner2, R Lesche3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital "Carl Gustav Carus", Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
International Journal of Surgery (London, England)
|November 6, 2013
Summary
This study introduces custom-made titanium mandibular implants created with LaserCUSING technology. The implants showed successful bone ossification and no complications in a mini pig model, offering a promising alternative for reconstructing mandible defects.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Reconstructing mandibular defects presents surgical challenges.
- Conventional titanium plates have high complication rates.
- LaserCUSING offers a novel method for creating patient-specific titanium implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the surgical procedure and biocompatibility of custom-made, LaserCUSED titanium implants for mandibular reconstruction.
- To assess the osseointegration and healing response of these implants in a preclinical animal model.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans and 3D modeling were used to design patient-specific implants.
- LaserCUSING technology fabricated pure titanium implants.
- Implants were surgically placed in standardized mandibular defects in 10 Göttingen mini pigs.
- Histological analysis using Donath's sawing and grinding technique with Masson Goldner trichrome staining assessed bone healing.
Main Results:
- No signs of inflammation or infection were observed during the healing period (up to 180 days).
- Histomorphological examination revealed significant ossification on both the outer and inner surfaces of the implants.
- The custom implants demonstrated good integration within the mandibular defects.
Conclusions:
- Customized, LaserCUSED pure titanium implants are a promising approach for mandibular reconstruction.
- This technology facilitates shape-identical implant creation, potentially reducing complications associated with conventional methods.
- The preclinical findings support further investigation for human application in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
