Reconstruction of Mandibular Contour Using Individualized High-Density Porous Polyethylene (Medpor ® ) Implants Under the Guidance of Virtual Surgical Planning and 3D-Printed Surgical Templates

Abstract

Background

The mandibular contour plays a significant role in the beautiful and youthful look but the reconstruction remains a challenging problem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of individualized high-density porous polyethylene (Medpor^®) implants for comprehensive reconstruction of mandibular contour with the aid of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM).

Methods

From 2010 to 2014, 12 patients with mandibular contour deformities were enrolled in our retrospective study. Mandible models and individualized surgical templates were fabricated by three-dimensional (3D) printing and Medpor^® implants were made according to the surgical templates. The Medpor^® implants were used for both unilateral and bilateral mandibular contour deformities. In four cases, simultaneous mandibular orthognathic surgery was performed with unilateral mandibular contour reconstruction.

Results

Eleven patients had a reposeful postoperative recovery with no complication. Delayed infection was shown in one patient and the Medpor^® implant was removed. All the 11 patients had the mandibular contour reconstructed satisfactorily.

Conclusion

The technique and cases presented demonstrate the utility of Medpor^® implants with CAD/CAM in comprehensive mandibular contour reconstruction.

Level of Evidence IV

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