Researchers at Chung-Ang University Medical Center (CAUMC) have proved the efficacy of transplanting non-metallic, bioceramic 3D-printed artificial cheekbone for the first time.

Professor Lee Ui-Lyong from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the hospital and his team conducted customized transplants for eight patients that needed cheekbone reconstruction by transplanting 3D-printed artificial cheekbone, “Easy-made.” 

​A research team, led by Professor Lee Ui-lyong from Chung-Ang University Medical Center (CAUMC), has proved the efficacy of transplanting non-metallic, bioceramic 3D- printed artificial cheekbone.​
​A research team, led by Professor Lee Ui-lyong from Chung-Ang University Medical Center (CAUMC), has proved the efficacy of transplanting non-metallic, bioceramic 3D- printed artificial cheekbone.​

After six months, the team made a comprehensive analysis regarding bone fusion, fixation, satisfaction and safety between implants and bones by CT scanning. 

The result showed that the bone fusion rate was 100 percent. No surrounding bone fusion was observed as it was more closely attached to the bone, similar to right after the surgery. Nor were any side effects reported after surgery. The patient’s satisfaction assessment score was nine out of 10, as all eight patients were pleased with the result in both aesthetic and functional terms of the transplant.

The best way to treat bone diseases is by conducting the standardized method, which is transplanting a patient’s bone to the needed area. However, this method is on the decline due to the risk of complications such as disability and discomfort from collecting autogenous bones.

“Customized, 3D-printed transplants were developed to overcome the drawbacks of using autogenous bone, but it had a low accuracy problem due to metal materials’ traits,” Professor Lee said. “The bioceramic material does not affect the CT images of the bone defect area unlike metal materials as titanium did, which made building the artificial cheekbones suitable for patients possible, leading to high satisfaction on the part of patients.” 

The team could conduct clinical research on patients with cheekbone defects to prove efficacy and safety using 3D printed artificial cheekbone developed by CGbio. Based on such confirmation, the team expects to apply it to various reconstruction treatments through transplants in the future, including facial deformities and skull defects, researchers said.
The result of the study was published in the latest issue of Materials. 
 

Copyright © KBR Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution prohibited