title: Computed tomography-based tissue-engineered scaffolds in craniomaxillofacial surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tissue engineering provides an alternative modality allowing for decreased morbidity of donor site grafting and decreased rejection of less compatible alloplastic tissues.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using image-based design and computer software, a precisely sized and shaped scaffold for osseous tissue regeneration can be created via selective laser sintering. Polycaprolactone has been used to create a condylar ramus unit (CRU) scaffold for application in temporomandibular joint reconstruction in a Yucatan minipig animal model. Following sacrifice, micro-computed tomography and histology was used to demonstrate the efficacy of this particular scaffold design.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A proof-of-concept surgery has demonstrated cartilaginous tissue regeneration along the articulating surface with exuberant osseous tissue formation. Bone volumes and tissue mineral density at both the 1 and 3 month time points demonstrated significant new bone growth interior and exterior to the scaffold.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Computationally designed scaffolds can support masticatory function in a large animal model as well as both osseous and cartilage regeneration. Our group is continuing to evaluate multiple implant designs in both young and mature Yucatan minipig animals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0018, USA. milsmith@umich.edu
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Flanagan
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kemppainen
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Sack
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Das
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hollister
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Feinberg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002356:Cartilage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000254:growth & development / Q000637:transplantation*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*