Craniofacial bone reconstruction with bioactive fiber-reinforced composite implant

TLDR

Craniofacial bone defects often arise from trauma, spontaneous intracranial bleeding, or infection of reconstruction material, highlighting the need for improved reconstruction strategies. This study evaluates a novel bioactive, fiber‑reinforced composite implant as a potential solution to these reconstruction challenges. A 4‑year longitudinal clinical trial of 12 patients implanted with a bisphenol‑A‑glycidyl methacrylate/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate resin matrix reinforced with silanized E‑glass and filled with S53P4 bioactive glass was conducted. Clinical examinations and skull X‑rays showed the implants remained in place with expected functional and aesthetic outcomes throughout follow‑up, indicating their potential for future craniofacial reconstruction.

Abstract

A novel, bioactive, fiber-reinforced composite implant is a solution to address the shortcomings in craniofacial bone reconstruction. A longitudinal clinical investigation with a follow-up time of 4 years was conducted.A cranial bone reconstruction with the implant was performed on 12 patients. In these patients, the reasons for craniotomies resulting in craniofacial bone defects were traumatic and spontaneous intracranial bleeding as well as infections to the primary reconstruction material. The implant material consisted of a supporting fiber-reinforced framework, porous inner layers, and a bioactive glass (BG; S53P4) filling. The framework and the porous layers were made of a bisphenol-a-glycidyl methacrylate and triethyleneglycoldi-methacrylate (pBisGMA-pTEGDMA) resin matrix, which was reinforced with silanized E-glass.In clinical examinations and skull X-rays, the implants were in original positions providing the expected functional and aesthetic outcome at all time points.The implants functioned appropriately, which would provide a potential solution for craniofacial bone reconstruction in the future.