The application of 3D-printed titanium mesh in maxillary tumor patients undergoing total maxillectomy

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of reconstruction of maxillary class III defect using 3D-printed titanium mesh. Twelve patients with maxillary class III defect from April 2015 to December 2016 were retrospectively studied. A 3D individualized maxillary stereo model based on mirror images of the unaffected maxilla was obtained to fabricate an anatomically adapted titanium mesh using computer-assisted design and manufacture. The individual titanium mesh was inserted into the maxillary class III defect after total maxillectomy. The incidence of postoperative complications was evaluated. The postoperative orbital volume and protrusion degree of eye were measured. All patients were satisfied with their postoperative facial symmetry, without developing diplopia or endophthalmos. The postoperative orbital volumes were 26.41 ± 0.52 mL on the affected side and 26.55 ± 0.45 mL on the unaffected side. The postoperative protrusion degrees of affected and unaffected eyes were 16.21 ± 0.48 and 16.82 ± 0.79 mm, respectively. Titanium mesh exposure was observed in 2 patients and mild limitation of mouth opening was observed in 4 patients who underwent postoperative radiotherapy. Reconstruction of maxillary class III defect with 3D-printed titanium mesh can achieve successful clinical outcomes, which recovered orbital volume and protrusion degree of eye.