Clinical Application of 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Polycaprolactone/Beta Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffold for Complex Zygomatico-Maxillary Defects

(1) Background: In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of a 3D-printed, patient-specific polycaprolactone/beta tricalcium phosphate (PCL/beta-TCP) scaffold in the treatment of complex zygomatico-maxillary defects. (2) Methods: We evaluated eight patients who underwent immediate or delayed maxillary reconstruction with patient-specific PCL implants between December 2019 and June 2021. The efficacy of these techniques was assessed using the volume and density analysis of computed tomography data obtained before surgery and six months after surgery. (3) Results: Patients underwent maxillary reconstruction with the 3D-printed PCL/beta-TCP scaffold based on various reconstructive techniques, including bone graft, fasciocutaneous free flaps, and fat graft. In the volume analysis, satisfactory volume conformity was achieved between the preoperative simulation and actual implant volume with a mean volume conformity of 79.71%, ranging from 70.89% to 86.31%. The ratio of de novo bone formation to total implant volume (bone volume fraction) was satisfactory with a mean bone fraction volume of 23.34%, ranging from 7.81% to 66.21%. Mean tissue density in the region of interest was 188.84 HU, ranging from 151.48 HU to 291.74 HU. (4) Conclusions: The combined use of the PCL/beta-TCP scaffold with virtual surgical simulation and 3D printing techniques may replace traditional non-absorbable implants in the future owing to its accuracy and biocompatible properties.

Automated summary

In this study, the efficacy of a 3D-printed, patient-specific polycaprolactone/beta tricalcium phosphate scaffold in the treatment of complex zygomatico-maxillary defects was evaluated. The results demonstrated satisfactory volume conformity and bone formation, indicating the potential of this technique to replace traditional implants in the future.