Custom made onlay implants in peek in maxillofacial surgery: a volumetric study

Area of Science:

• Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomaterials Science
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Facial malformations often result in persistent imbalance post-bone correction.
• Addressing residual hard and soft tissue deficiencies is crucial for optimal outcomes.
• Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) implants offer potential for maxillofacial reconstruction, though usage data is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate volumetric outcomes of custom PEEK onlay implants in patients with facial imbalance.
• To assess PEEK implant efficacy for mandible and fronto-orbital reconstruction.
• To analyze facial asymmetry using 3D photogrammetry after PEEK implant placement.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen patients underwent PEEK implant placement (8 mandibular, 7 fronto-orbital).
• Pre- and post-surgical 3D facial images were captured for analysis.
• Facial asymmetry was quantified by comparing treated faces to their mirrored counterparts.

Main Results:

• Three-dimensional analyses revealed a mean residual discrepancy of 1.32 ± 1.02 mm.
• This indicates a significant reduction in volume imbalance after PEEK implant reconstruction.

Conclusions:

• The volumetric results achieved with PEEK implants are within clinically acceptable limits.
• An asymmetry rate below 3 mm is considered within the normal range, suggesting successful reconstruction.