Mandibular Angle Contouring Using Porous Polyethylene Stock or PEEK-based Patient Specific Implants. A Critical Analysis.

Abstract: Contour augmentation and mandibular angle modification surgery is becoming increasingly. The aim of this research is to compare technique and outcomes in augmentations done with standard implants or PEEK-based patient specific implants (PSI) in mandibular angle. Data from surgical planning, operative and post-operative of 6 months follow-up were revised for 21 patients who were submitted to facial surgery using a stock implant obtained from companies currently on the market or 3D implants created with CAD/CAM technology using PEEK 3D printing. Surgical time, intra-operative and post-operative complications were compared, analyzing the advantages and disadvantage of each technique. Statistical analyses using t-test and chi-squared were performed considering P value< 0.05 for statistical differences. Twelve patients were operated on with stock implants and nine patients with PSI. The surgical time was 15 minutes less for the 3D implant surgeries (P = 0.021) and intraoperatively only the stock implants needed modifications with wear and adaptation methods; post-operative infections were observed in both groups with no significant differences (P > 0.05). The 3D implants had greater levels of facial symmetry than the stock implants, although they did not present significant differences.Considering the limitations of this study, mandibular angle implants with a PEEK-based 3D CAD/CAM are efficient, stable and have a low complication rate; the CAD/CAM strategy is useful in facial surgery and can be integrated as a standard for surgical planning in facial makeover surgery.
Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest.
(Copyright © 2020 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.)