Abstract
Background and objectives: Reconstruction of segmental maxillofacial defects is a challenge. The objective of this study was to evaluate functional efficacy and biocompatibility of segmental mandibular defect reconstruction, using two custom-fabricated electron-beam melted titanium plate designs. Materials and methods: Using a goat model (N = 15), pre-operative computed-tomography scanning was done for custom fabrication of titanium plates. Under general anesthesia, segmental defect was created in left mandibular body and was reconstructed using either electron-beam melted plate (group-1; n = 5), electron-beam melted plate with mesh (group-2; n = 5) or commercial titanium plate (group-3; n = 5). After 24-weeks, goats were sacrificed and mandibular reconstruction was evaluated using computed-tomography and histology. Results: Clinical and radiographic assessment revealed good functional stability with no differences between pre-operative and post-operative parameters. Histologically, inflammatory response was observed in 6 animals (group-1 = 3; group-2 = 1; group-3 = 2). Dispersed material in soft and hard tissue, and new bone formation were observed in all animals. There were no evidences of adverse tissue reaction or foreign body reaction. Conclusion: Custom-fabricated electron-beam melted reconstruction plates possess biomechanical properties, functional stability and long-term biocompatibility similar to commercial titanium plates. Electron-beam melted plates with mesh could be considered superior because of its ability to provide scaffold for soft tissue and bone regeneration.