Digital Design and Individually Fabricated Titanium Implants for the Reconstruction of Traumatic Zygomatico-Orbital Defects

Autogenous bone graft is the preferred method for the reconstruction of maxillofacial defects. As an additional choice, the aim of this study was to develop and test the application of individual digital planning, rapid prototyping titanium implants, and functional long-term results in the reconstruction of traumatic zygomatico-orbital defects. Six patients were treated with 3-dimensional digital surgery designs, digital locating template, and individually fabricated titanium implants. All patients were followed for a minimum of 18 months with a mean of 51.8 months. The recovery of facial contour and function was satisfactory in 4 patients. In the other 2 patients, 1 implant was removed after implant exposure caused by infection, and the other implant was removed because of persistent diplopia. Although the risk of implant exposure exists, individual digital planning procedures, rapid prototyping, digital locating templates, and titanium implants are still effective methods for reconstructing traumatic zygomatico-orbital defects. We believe that the appropriate choice of surgical cases is of great importance when using individually designed titanium implants to restore maxillofacial defects. The patient's age, health, medical history, local infection, location and extent of the bony defect, and remaining soft tissue volume should all be taken into consideration.