Rapid prototyped titanium plate combined with autologous cancellous bone graft repairs canine mandibular defects / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Rapid prototyping technique has been recently applied in the medical reconstruction and al ows the production of individual implant for patients with tissue defects, achieving an accurate repair. OBJECTIVE:To repair discontinuous mandibular defects in dogs using rapid prototyped titanium plate in combination with autologous cancellous bone graft. METHODS:Nine hybrid canines were used, and the skul was scanned using spiral CT. Then CT data were used to construct three-dimensional digital model, in which virtual partial mandibulectomy was performed, and an individualized bone-grafting plate was designed. A titanium plate was manufactured using rapid prototyping and titanium casting. Animal experiment was then performed. A 40-mm discontinuous defect in the right mandibular body was created in the involved dogs. The defect was restored immediately using the customized plate in combination with autologous cancellous iliac blocks. Sequential radionuclide bone imaging, biomechanical testing, three-dimensional microcomputed tomographic scanning, radiology and histological examination were used to evaluate the turnover of the grafts. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A symmetric mandible was reconstructed using the rapid prototyped grafting plate. The grafted bone survived and got corticalized, while a fibrous intermedium was found between the bone graft and the plate. In the reconstruction of mandibular defects, optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes could be achieved using the rapid prototyped grafting plates.