Clinical application of 3D-printed PEEK implants for repairing mandibular defects

The aim of this study was to investigate and discuss the efficacy of 3D-printed PEEK implants in personalized reconstruction of mandibular segmental defects. This study was a single-center case series. Six patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction with a custom-made 3D-printed PEEK implant were enrolled. Patient demographics, photographs, computed tomography (CT), and other clinical data were collected and analyzed pre- and postoperatively. The average patient age was 60.0 ± 15.09 years. The mean operative time was 213.33 ± 30.77 min, and the postoperative follow-up time ranged from 10 to 24 months. Mandibular segmental defects ranged from the symphysis to the condyle. Five patients did not have any postoperative complications and were satisfied with the cosmetic and functional results. One patient had to undergo removal of the PEEK implant because of implant exposure at 10 months after surgery. PEEK implants can repair different forms of defect in the mandible, maintaining the original shape of the mandible, whilst not affecting mandible functions, such as mastication and temporomandibular joint movement. However, PEEK implantation requires the strict selection of appropriate indications, especially with regard to the evaluation of soft-tissue conditions in the implanted area.