Long Term Follow Up in Cases of Orbital Defect Treated with Laser Welded EpitecTM Plates

Abstract

We have used the Epitec system to retain orbital maxillofacial prostheses for maxillofacial defects. Furthermore, we have used combined plates by performing laser welding of multiple Epitec plates for a facial prosthesis. We have evaluated several cases over the long term in which we used big plates for retaining the facial prostheses. In all cases, the Epitec plates have remained in place and are able to retain the prosthesis. In the first case, the plate was lost early on, so we changed the design and there has been no loss of plate since then. Based on our experience, we believe we have improved the Epitec system with laser welding of multiple plates as a stable retainer for maxillofacial prosthetic treatment. It is suggested that the design of the plate and the control of dermatitis are important long-term factors for functionalizing the plate.