title: Prefabricated silicone subdermal mandibular implants: observations and problems related to their application.
abstract: Success in the use of custom-fabricated Silastic implants in patients with facial contour defects led us to utilize this method in reconstructing mandibular defects. However, mandibular reconstruction with alloplastic material is quite difficult because of the presence of continous stress and motion in that region. The evolution in the use in the use of the mandibular implant from the commercially available one to the K-wire reinforced, prefabricated, silicone implant was largely dependent on the availability of silicone and the ultimate result obtained. In the past few years, about 30 subdermal implants were inserted. Some of those implants were placed immediately into patients undergoing resection for tumor. The implant was prefabricated prior to surgery from x-ray measurements of the anticipated segment to be resected; it was then used to reconstruct the defect prior to the final closure of the operative wound. Other implants were manufactured 6-18 months after resection for tumor or for deformity as a result of trauma. The implants were used to reconstruct the facial defects and to correct the funtional abnormality, such as drooling or deviation of the affected side by the unstable mandibular segment. Patients with severe congenital malformation have soft tissue deficiency in association with their bony malformation. Therefore, implants in such conditions were doomed to failure. Patient selection is the key to successful implantation.
mesh_terms: D003757:Dental Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008341:Mandibular Prosthesis; D012826:Silicone Elastomers
chemical_list: D012826:Silicone Elastomers