Medical image based, preformed titanium membranes for bone reconstructions: design study and first clinical.

The currently used intralesional or marginal surgical treatment of a bone tumour in the extremities shows some shortcomings in providing a restoration of the mechanical strength of the bone and the containment of the used filling materials. The use of a medical image based, preformed and custom-made titanium membrane screwed onto the periosteal side of the bone is introduced. This study looks in detail into the design process and the biomechanical evaluation of such a membrane. The buckling strength of the membrane, the strength at the perforation holes and the strength of the screw-bone fixation are tested experimentally. The two latter experiments are performed with different screw types. From the performed tests it appears that a titanium membrane without a wave pattern, of 0.3 mm thickness, fixed to the bone with seven trabecular bone screws (4 mm diameter and 28 mm length) is capable of carrying the anticipated mechanical loads on the reconstructed tibia. The medical image based design methodology and the first clinical application of such a preformed and custom-made titanium membrane are reported and discussed. The feasibility of preformed titanium membranes for bone reconstruction in tumour surgery is demonstrated.

A new design for a hybrid prosthesis supported by osseointegrated implants: 2. Preliminary clinical aspects.

A fixed partial denture is preferred as a prosthetic restoration supported by tissue-integrated oral implants. However, there are occasions, especially in restoring an edentulous maxilla, when a fixed partial denture does not satisfy a patient's requirements for esthetics, good phonetics, proper oral hygiene, and oral comfort. A removable hybrid prosthesis attached to a bar that is conventionally fixed to tissue-integrated implants ad modum Brånemark was therefore designed to satisfy such needs and to meet requirements for splinting of the implants. Following the placement of prostheses, patients were asked to give their opinion on the comfort, phonetics, and esthetics of the prosthesis by marking a visual analog scale. The results indicate a successful initial outcome of the treatment.

A new design for a hybrid prosthesis supported by osseointegrated implants: 1. Technical aspects.

Maxillary prosthetic restorations on osseointegrated implants are often problematic because of implant location, orientation, and need for lip support. A new design for a hybrid maxillary prosthesis that will provide good esthetics and phonetics, as well as ensure optimum conditions for oral hygiene and patient comfort, is proposed. The design includes separate support, lateral stabilization, and retention. Support is derived from elevated areas at the midline and on the extensions of a bar screwed to dental implants ad modum Brånemark. Lateral stabilization is obtained by a removable framework closely fitting the bar. Four precision attachments provide adjustable retention without influencing support. Technical aspects of the procedure are described.