Reconstruction of a mandibular segmental defect with a customized 3-dimensional-printed titanium prosthesis in a cat...

CASE DESCRIPTION A 12-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat had been treated for a mass arising from the lingual aspect of the caudal right mandibular body. Cytoreductive surgery of the mass had been performed twice over a 2-year period, but the mass recurred following both surgeries. The mass was diagnosed as an osteosarcoma, and the cat was referred for further evaluation and treatment. CLINICAL FINDINGS Clinical findings were unremarkable, except for a 2-cm-diameter mass arising from the lingual aspect of the right mandible and mild anemia and lymphopenia. Pre- and postcontrast CT scans of the head, neck, and thorax were performed, revealing that the osteosarcoma was confined to the caudal right mandibular body, with no evidence of lymph node or pulmonary metastasis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME The stereolithographic files of the CT scan of the head were sent for computer-aided design and manufacture of a customized 3-D-printed titanium prosthesis. Segmental mandibulectomy was performed, and the mandibular defect was reconstructed in a single stage with the 3-D-printed titanium prosthesis. The cat had 1 minor postoperative complication but had no signs of eating difficulties at any point after surgery. The cat was alive and disease free 14 months postoperatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Reconstruction of the mandible of a cat following mandibulectomy was possible with computer-aided design and manufacture of a customized 3-D-printed titanium prosthesis. Cats have a high rate of complications following mandibulectomy, and these initial findings suggested that mandibular reconstruction may reduce the risk of these complications and result in a better functional outcome.