Clinical Usefulness of Titanium Mesh in Reconstruction of the Craniofacial Bone Defects

Purpose: Reconstruction of the craniofacial defects can be carried out with autogenous tissues, allogenic implants, or alloplastic materials. Titanium mesh systems have been used for bony reconstruction in non load-bearing areas. They offer several advantages: immediate availibility without any donor site morbidity, easy handling, stable 3-D reconstruction, and low susceptibility to infection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness and complications of titanium mesh system in the reconstruction of the craniofacial defects. Methods: From Jan. 2000, to Dec. 2004, we performed reconstruction of craniofacial bone defects in 21 patients who had benign or malignant tumor and fracture events in the cranium, orbit, nasal bone, maxilla, zygoma and the mandible. The size of the defects ranged from $1.0{\times}1.5cm$ to $12{\times}10cm$. Two different mesh systems, micro-titanium augmentation mesh and dynamic mesh was used for bony reconstruction in non load-bearing areas. The patients were evaluated from 1 to 4 yrs clinically and radiographically with a mean follow up period of 1.5 yrs. Results: There were no serious complications, including wound infection, foreign body reaction, exposures or loos of the mesh, central infection and pathologic findings of bone around mesh exception of one patient, who had expired of skull base tumor recurrence. Long-term stability of the reconstructions and the overall functional and aesthetic outcome was excellent. Conclusion: Our experiences demonstrate that the Titanium mesh system is a relatively safe and efficient method in the craniofacial reconstruction and have broadens our choices of therapeutic procedures in the craniomaxillofacial surgery.

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