A clinical application report of Screw extruder 3D printed polycaprolactone mesh: various approaches in craniofacial bone defect

Introduction
A Screw extruder 3D printing methods makes materials to uniform extrusion without final heat processing. In this way, it is appropriate that application of facial mesh made by Polycaprolactone (PCL)that approved by the FDA. It is known well to have considerable biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, we introduce several clinical application experiences in craniofacial bone defect.
Method
With retrospective study, the patients information who underwent facial reconstruction with PCL mesh collected, within the period January to June 2023. This research is conducted as a multicenter study. Basic characteristics of operation detail collected. At the time of 6th month follow-up, we evaluated a stability of the mesh plate and any complications including infection and discomfort.
Result
A total of 26 patients with craniofacial bone defects were enrolled. The defect classified into four ; skull, frontal, maxilla and orbital. 15.4% patients in frontal bone defect, 23.0% in maxillar bone defect, 57.7% in orbital defect and 2 patients in skull defect. The caused of defect was trauma 84.6%, osteomyelitis 7.6% and benign tumor removal 7.6%. And there are no complications from implants insertion, including infection at 6 months follow up.
Conclusion
In this study, we demonstrated that Screw extruder 3D printed polycaprolactone mesh can applicable in various craniofacial bone defect reconstruction. Also surgery with PCL mesh plate showed sustained stability without definite complication. The result is comparable with the other conventional bioresorbable polymers mesh plate. This means PCL mesh plate can be a promising future material in craniofacial bone defect reconstruction.

Craniomaxillofacial/Head and Neck

PSTM 2024