In-Vivo Biocompatibility and Functional Efficacy of Customized Electron Beam-Melted Titanium Mandibular Reconstruction Plates
Background and objectives: Reconstruction of segmental maxillofacial defects is a challenge.
The objective of this study was to evaluate functional efficacy and biocompatibility of segmental
mandibular defect reconstruction, using two custom-fabricated electron-beam melted titanium
plate designs.
Materials and methods: Using a goat model (N = 15), pre-operative computed tomography
scanning was done for custom fabrication of titanium plates. Under general anesthesia,
segmental defect was created in left mandibular body and was reconstructed using either
electron-beam melted plate (group-1; n = 5), electron-beam melted plate with mesh (group-2;
n = 5) or commercial titanium plate (group-3; n = 5). After 24-weeks, goats were sacrificed and
mandibular reconstruction was evaluated using computed-tomography and histology.
Results: Clinical and radiographic assessment revealed good functional stability with no differences between
pre-operative and post-operative parameters. Histologically, inflammatory response was observed
in 6 animals (group-1 = 3; group-2= 1; group-3=2). Dispersed material in soft and hard tissue, and
new bone formation were observed in all animals. There were no evidences of adverse tissue reaction
or foreign body reaction.
Conclusion: Custom-fabricated electron-beam melted reconstruction
plates possess biomechanical properties, functional stability and long-term biocompatibility similar
to commercial titanium plates. Electron-beam melted plates with mesh could be considered superior
because of its ability to provide scaffold for soft tissue and bone regeneration.
Background and objectives: Reconstruction of segmental maxillofacial defects is a challenge.
The objective of this study was to evaluate functional efficacy and biocompatibility of segmental…
A custom made implant is critical in cranioplasty to cushion and restore intracranial anatomy, as well as to recover the appearance and attain cognitive stability in the patient.
Segmental mandibular reconstruction has been a challenge for medical practitioners, despite significant advances in medical technology. There is a recent trend in relation to customized implants,…