MAXILLOFACIAL PROSTHETICS
Online ISSN : 2435-0389
Print ISSN : 0389-4045
Volume 40, Issue 2
Displaying 1-6 of 6 articles from this issue
  • Tsuyoshi TAKATO, Yuko FUJIHARA, Kazuto HOSHI
    2017 Volume 40 Issue 2 Pages 17-21
    Published: 2017
    Released on J-STAGE: May 29, 2021
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    In the oral and maxillofacial region, autologous grafting has been used to treat tissue defects caused by congenital anomaly, trauma or tumor resection. However, as long as autologous grafts are used, these operations must include the process of harvesting the patient’s tissues, and the amount obtained for the graft may be limited. To overcome such issues with the conventional approach, we have tried to develop tissue-engineered bone and cartilage.
    We have succeeded in making custom-made artificial bone (CT-Bone) by printing alpha-tricalcium phosphate particles with a 3D printer based on DICOM data of CT images. Clinical research and trials of CT-Bone have been conducted in 30 patients with bone defects in the oral and maxillofacial region, confirming its efficacy in restoring facial features. Based on this technique, we are now developing a next-generation bio-3D printer.
    To develop implant-type tissue-engineered cartilage with proper 3D morphological form and mechanical strength, we have optimized the culture medium of chondrocytes and the scaffold. Following a preclinical study, we have conducted clinical research in three patients with nasal deformity associated with cleft lip and palate, and are now starting a clinical study. We are also engaged in research on ear reconstruction using iPS cells.
    Download PDF (592K)
  • — Soft Palate Defect Cases —
    Chisako INOUE, Nagato NATSUME, Shin MIYAMAE, Fumi YOSHIOKA, Masaki HAT ...
    2017 Volume 40 Issue 2 Pages 22-27
    Published: 2017
    Released on J-STAGE: May 29, 2021
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    Patients with a defect of the hard palate caused by tumor resection suffer a remarkable decline in speech function due to abnormality of the resonance cavity and articulation. However, the speech function may be improved by wearing a prosthesis. The purpose of this study was to clarify how much a soft palate defect affects speech function. Thirteen patients with a soft palate defect participated in this study. Conversation intelligibility, blowing test and nasometry were performed. In patients with soft palate defects, speech intelligibility improved with wearing a prosthesis. However, some cases showed little difference between with and without a prosthesis even though the extent of deficiency was similar to that of cases whose speech improved. Individual differences were seen in the test results. The results of this study indicate that it is important to evaluate patients with extensive deficits by considering individuals’ residual function such as velopharyngeal function.
    Download PDF (471K)
  • Mahmoud E. ELBASHTI, Amel M. ASWEHLEE, Mariko HATTORI, Yuka I. SUMITA, ...
    2017 Volume 40 Issue 2 Pages 28-36
    Published: 2017
    Released on J-STAGE: May 29, 2021
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    Prosthetic rehabilitation of maxillectomy defects demands a multidisciplinary team approach. This study aims to investigate surgeons’ awareness of considerations for postoperative maxillofacial prosthetic treatment in maxillectomy patients. A questionnaire with 28 closed-ended and multiple-choice questions was distributed to surgeons in the oral and maxillofacial surgery department and head and neck surgery department of Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU). Thirty-five of the 50 distributed questionnaires were completed, for a response rate of 70%. Of the respondents, 48% were oral and maxillofacial surgeons and 52% were head and neck surgeons. More than half of oral and maxillofacial surgeons (53%) had performed maxillectomy, compared with 39% of head and neck surgeons. Of the head and neck surgeons, 17% had performed surgical reconstruction, compared with none of the oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Most respondents had given some consideration to prosthetic rehabilitation. The proportion of head and neck surgeons who consistently considered prosthetic rehabilitation before and after maxillectomy (22%) was considerably smaller than that of oral and maxillofacial surgeons (47%). Prosthetic treatment was performed at the clinic for maxillofacial prosthetics by referring the patients from 63% of the respondents. Awareness of prosthetic rehabilitation of maxillectomy should be improved among surgeons to promote the provision of postsurgical defects that are well suited for prosthesis fit, function, and aesthetics.
    Download PDF (806K)
  • Takaaki TAMAGAWA, Shunsuke NAMAKI, Jun IWATA, Takayoshi TANAKA, Tetsuo ...
    2017 Volume 40 Issue 2 Pages 37-41
    Published: 2017
    Released on J-STAGE: May 29, 2021
    JOURNAL FREE ACCESS
    Mandibular bone defects resulting from tumor resection are generally treated with mandibular reconstruction plates. In our institution, the mandibular reconstruction plates are bent using a mandibular mock-up model before operation. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of 3D printers and mock-up models. Mock-up models were prepared with a 3D printer on the basis of DICOM data from computed tomographic images of the head, which were obtained preoperatively and used to assess the range of excision of the mandibular bone. On the basis of this analysis, the mandibular reconstruction plate was bent and sterilized preoperatively and fixed to the mandibular bone intraoperatively. In this study, we compared plate fixation time between preoperative bending and intraoperative bending. The range of mandibulectomy could be sufficiently assessed before surgery by using a mock-up model. The preparation and bending of the mandibular reconstruction plate before surgery allowed the plate to be applied to the bone with minor adjustment during surgery, significantly shortening the operation time as compared with intraoperative bending of the plate. Preoperative bending of mandibular reconstruction plates based on mock-up models using a 3D printer shortens the plate-fixation time.
    Download PDF (848K)
feedback
Top