Customed 3D-printed Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Implant for Secondary Salvage Reconstruction of Mandibular Defects: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Given the insufficient height of single-barrel fibula and inadequate bone volume of double-barrel vascularized fibula in mandibular reconstruction, it is a better choice to combine the upper full-thickness vascularized fibula with the lower half-thickness nonvascularized fibula. However, the nonvascularized fibula may fail due to complications, affecting the facial shape and occlusal function. Polyetheretherketone is a thermoplastic polymer used for bone defect reconstruction due to its good mechanical properties and biocompatibility. This case report mainly presents a secondary salvage reconstruction of the mandible by using customed 3-dimensional-printing polyetheretherketone, which restored the continuity and symmetry of the mandible, improved the patient’s facial shape, and restored functional occlusion through dental implants. After a 28-month follow-up, no complications occurred, and the patient was satisfied with the final restoration.