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A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
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Contour identical implants to bridge mandibular continuity defects--individually generated by LaserCUSING®--A
Bernd Reitemeier1, Christine Schöne2, Raoul Lesche3
1Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine "Carl Gustav Carus", Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
Head & Face Medicine
|April 13, 2016
Summary
Customized titanium implants offer a promising solution for bridging mandibular defects after tumor surgery when autologous bone grafts are not feasible. This technique ensures stable fixation and accurate reconstruction, avoiding complications associated with traditional bridging plates.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Medical Device Manufacturing
Background:
- Ablative tumor surgery frequently leads to mandibular continuity defects.
- Traditional bridging plates for reconstruction carry risks like fracture and exposure.
- Customized titanium implants present a viable alternative for complex reconstructions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of CAD/CAM and LaserCUSING® manufactured customized titanium implants for bridging mandibular defects.
- To assess the stability and fit of these patient-specific implants in porcine models.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomographies (CT) of porcine mandibles were obtained and processed into DICOM data.
- Surgical continuity defects were created, and customized titanium implants were designed and manufactured using CAD/CAM and LaserCUSING®.
- Implants were fixed with screws, and reconstruction accuracy was verified using plaster casts.
Main Results:
- The workflow from CT data acquisition to implant application was demonstrated as practicable.
- Stable fixation of the customized titanium implants to the mandibular stumps was achieved.
- Accuracy assessments revealed no interferences or inaccuracies in the reconstructed mandibles.
Conclusions:
- Customized titanium implants are a promising alternative for bridging mandibular continuity defects.
- This approach is particularly valuable when immediate reconstruction with autologous bone is not possible.
- The study validates the potential of patient-specific implants in complex maxillofacial reconstructions.
