The use of patient specific polyetheretherketone implants for reconstruction of maxillofacial deformities

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate polyetheretherketone (PEEK) as a patient-specific implant (PSI) material in maxillofacial reconstructive surgery.

Materials and methods: The retrospective study included a cohort of 24 patients who underwent maxillofacial surgery using PEEK PSIs. Each patient underwent preoperative multislice computed tomography (CT) with 0° tilt of gantry. Based on the CT scan, the PEEK PSIs were planned and manufactured using three-dimensional (3D) modeling and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia. Implants were placed intraorally, extraorally or through subciliary, transconjuctival or coronal incisions.

Results: In 22 of 24 cases, the PEEK PSI fit well without adjustments. Although the fit to the surrounding bone was perfect in almost all of the cases, the outer contour of the PSI was modified in nine cases before fixation. However, intraoperative implant modification did not affect the infection rate. In two cases, postoperative wound dehiscence and infection needed additional treatment and healed without removal of the implants.

Conclusion: The follow-up data in this study showed good outcomes with reliable results for PSI made of PEEK in the maxillofacial region.

Keywords: Custom implant; Deformity; PEEK; Patient-specific implant; Patient-specific modeling; Prostheses and implants.