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: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Keywords: CAD/CAM; Mandibular contour reconstruction; Medpor®.