Reconstruction of craniofacial defect using patient-specific polyetheretherketone (PEEK) in recurrent ameloblastoma

Abstract

Ameloblastoma (AM) is a histologically benign but locally aggressive odontogenic tumour that commonly affects the mandible or maxilla. A 66-year-old man with a history of recurrent AM presented with right eye floater during follow-up was found to have local recurrence over the right temporal bone and lateral orbital wall. In view of the complex craniofacial resection, a 3D-printed patient-specific implant (PSI) using polyetheretherketone (PEEK) was manufactured and deployed intraoperatively. This utilization of PSI allows for precise surgical planning and reconstruction and should be considered a viable alternative to autologous bone graft in craniofacial reconstruction for patients suffering from AM.