Open Access
03-01-2024 | Computer Aided Design | Head and Neck
Computer-aided designed 3D-printed polymeric scaffolds for personalized reconstruction of maxillary and mandibular defects: a proof-of-concept study
Authors:
Davide Mattavelli, Vincenzo Verzeletti, Alberto Deganello, Antonio Fiorentino, Tommaso Gualtieri, Marco Ferrari, Stefano Taboni, William Anfuso, Marco Ravanelli, Vittorio Rampinelli, Alberto Grammatica, Barbara Buffoli, Roberto Maroldi, Ceretti Elisabetta, Rita Rezzani, Piero Nicolai, Cesare Piazza
Published in:
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
|
Issue 3/2024
Login to get access
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the potential reconstruction of complex maxillofacial defects using computer-aided design 3D-printed polymeric scaffolds by defining the production process, simulating the surgical procedure, and explore the feasibility and reproducibility of the whole algorithm.
Methods
This a preclinical study to investigate feasibility, reproducibility and efficacy of the reconstruction algorithm proposed. It encompassed 3 phases: (1) scaffold production (CAD and 3D-printing in polylactic acid); (2) surgical simulation on cadaver heads (navigation-guided osteotomies and scaffold fixation); (3) assessment of reconstruction (bone and occlusal morphological conformance, symmetry, and mechanical stress tests).
Results
Six cadaver heads were dissected. Six types of defects (3 mandibular and 3 maxillary) with different degree of complexity were tested. In all case the reconstruction algorithm could be successfully completed. Bone morphological conformance was optimal while the occlusal one was slightly higher. Mechanical stress tests were good (mean value, 318.6 and 286.4 N for maxillary and mandibular defects, respectively).
Conclusions
Our reconstructive algorithm was feasible and reproducible in a preclinical setting. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory independently of the complexity of the defect.