3D titanium implant for orbital reconstruction after maxillectomy

The surgical treatment of maxillary tumours often consists of an open subtotal or total maxillectomy with a subsequent significant defect. Reconstruction is, therefore, a major challenge for head and neck surgeons. Along with 3D printing development, titanium pre-bent implants have been created for orbital wall and floor reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the post-operative tolerance of these implants in patients who had undergone this procedure in our department. Implant tolerance was the primary endpoint, evaluated by whether or not surgery was required for infection or extrusion 6 months after the procedure. The secondary endpoints were satisfactory functional and aesthetic characteristics of the reconstruction as well as the quality of life. Eleven patients underwent a maxillectomy with orbital floor resection for tumours and reconstruction using the titanium PorousiTi® (Materialise®, Leuven, Belgium) implant beginning in 2013 in Lariboisière Hospital, Paris. The mean follow-up time was 17 months (range, 6-34). During the follow-up period, two patients (n = 2/11; 18.2%) were operated again for implant extrusion and exposure through the skin 1 month later or during their radiotherapy course. During the follow-up period, no post-operative infection occurred in any of the patients. In our experience, the implant was well-tolerated with few post-operative complications and satisfactory aesthetic and functional results.