Stereo lithography and Patient-specific Implants in Reconstruction of Craniofacial Defects: Institutional Experience

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

World Journal of Dentistry

Abstract

Aim: To replicate the stereolithography (STL) method to reconstruct the craniofacial skeleton with titanium implants through conventional surgical site approaches, thereby assessing the intraoperative efficacy in terms of time management, accuracy in fixation, restoration of geometry, and postoperative outcome in terms of stability of implants, function, esthetics, and patient satisfaction. Background: Conventional methods of reconstruction of the maxillofacial region with autografts or flaps might not yield the best results in the form of function esthetics and offer donor site morbidity and necrosis of the recipient site, but with the advent of STL restores the geometry of craniofacial skeleton with less operative time and risk for surgeons and postoperative complications. Case description: This paper reports a series of three cases that had major craniofacial defects post cranioplasty, reconstructed with patient-specific titanium implants by stereo lithographic method, and one case of mandibular reconstruction with free fibula flap postresection for ameloblastoma guided by STL, with a minimum follow-up period of 4 years and observed satisfactory results in terms of function and esthetics. Conclusion: Stereolithography (STL)-guided implants have the potential to replace conventional bone grafting and restore a patient’s esthetics, function, and quality of life by offering no donor site morbidity, aiding presurgical planning, performing mock surgeries, and reconstruction of defects with precision. Clinical significance: Stereolithography (STL) technology alleviates the use of bone grafts and flaps for reconstruction of craniomaxillofacial defects and aids in the best esthetic and functional outcome, no donor site morbidity, and is easier for the surgeons.

First Page

168

Last Page

173

DOI

10.5005/jp-journals-10015-2372

Publication Date

2-1-2024

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