Facial defects reconstruction by titanium mesh bending using 3D printing technology: A report of two cases

Abstract

Introduction: Facial injuries and deformities have received special attention during the previous decades for their functional, esthetic impairment, surgical challenges related to the location of the intervention, and their relationship to a lower survival rate. Moreover, there have been many surgical reconstructive methods due to the different materials and tools available and thus the final results following the surgical intervention.

Case presentation: This study was conducted on two patients with severe war injuries; they both suffered from a significant loss in one or more of the following bones: the zygomatic bone, maxilla, nasal bone, infraorbital rim, and mandible. They were treated using preshaped 3D titanium mesh implants that were made using polylactic acid (PLA) material. The final shape was identified depending on pregenerated multislice 3D modeling using computed tomography (CT) scan.

Clinical discussion and conclusion: The patient-specific titanium implants produced using polylactic acid (PLA) have been an important option for reconstructive surgical interventions in facial injuries. It has achieved a better outcome in comparison with manual bent titanium mesh in terms of anatomical symmetry, overall operating time, functional and esthetic impairment. These points helped achieve better care for both civilian and war injuries associated with bone loss.

Keywords: Case report; Facial defect; Polylactic acid; Titanium mesh; War injury.

Fig. (1)

3D reconstruction based on CT scan slices in the first case.

Fig. (2)

Molding titanium mesh according to 3D printed template in the first case.

Fig. (3)

Postoperative aspect showing the reconstructed area in the first case.