Three-dimensionally printed subperiosteal implants for maxillectomy reconstruction: report of nine cases.

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate the use of additively manufactured custom-made subperiosteal implants in primary maxillary reconstruction. A retrospective analysis was performed of nine patients who underwent primary reconstruction of the maxilla with these implants between May 2021 and June 2023. The study focused on evaluating the feasibility, effectiveness, and short- to medium-term outcomes, including potential complications. All patients underwent simultaneous implant placement during the same surgery for tumour resection and flap reconstruction and were then monitored for a minimum of 6 months. The first results indicate that these implants are both feasible and effective in achieving stable and functional outcomes, particularly for patients who cannot undergo traditional bone reconstruction. Complication rates were low, with only one case of flap necrosis unrelated to the implant. Additionally, the implants remained stable with no signs of infection or mobility. The main limitations of the study are the small cohort size and short follow-up period. Therefore, these findings must be considered preliminary, and further studies with larger sample sizes and longer-term follow-up are required to confirm the results.