3D printing titanium grid scaffold facilitates osteogenesis in mandibular segmental defects.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Functional reconstruction of critical maxillofacial segmental bone defects relies on bone fusion.
• Current treatments often struggle to achieve effective bone fusion in these defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate 3D-printing titanium grid scaffolds for enhanced osteogenesis and bone fusion in mandibular defects.
• To evaluate the efficacy of these scaffolds in canine models and clinical patients.

Main Methods:

• Selective laser melting was used to manufacture titanium grid scaffolds.
• Scaffolds were implanted in beagle dogs with mandibular defects, with and without bone grafts.
• Radiological and histological analyses were performed after 18 months.
• Three human patients with mandibular defects received scaffold implants.

Main Results:

• Canine models showed regenerated bone filling scaffold pores and integrating bone ends.
• Clinical patients experienced no mechanical complications and demonstrated significant bone regeneration.
• 3D-printed titanium scaffolds facilitated bone fusion and reconstruction in large-segment mandibular defects.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed titanium grid scaffolds provide sufficient porosity and biomechanical strength for bone regeneration.
• These scaffolds are effective in promoting osteogenesis and achieving bone fusion in critical mandibular defects.
• The study demonstrates a viable solution for functional reconstruction in maxillofacial bone defects.