Rapid prototyped PGA/PLA scaffolds in the reconstruction of mandibular condyle bone defects.
BACKGROUND
Craniomaxillofacial bone defects are currently reconstructed by using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) processes. We have developed a novel digital medical support system that enables us to custom-make scaffolds to repair craniomaxillofacial bone defects using three-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) images and a rapid-prototyping method.


METHODS
We created positive molds using CT data, CAD/CAM and a rapid prototyping method using 3D printing. Custom-made poly (glycolic acid) (PGA) and polymers poly (lactic acid) (PLA) scaffolds were prefabricated by a positive-negative mold interchange technique. A laser scanning system was used to evaluate the accuracy of the PGA/PLA scaffold. Bone marrow stem cells were incubated with the scaffold to assess biocompatibility.


RESULTS
The mean error was <0.3 mm and confidence was >or=95% when the error was <1 mm. Results from in vitro cell culture demonstrated that the PGA/PLA scaffold had excellent cellular compatibility.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study suggests that custom-made PGA/PLA scaffolds infiltrated with bone marrow stem cells may be effective for future treatment of craniomaxillofacial bone injuries.
Xu
Hua
H
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ninth People's Hospital, Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
Han
Dong
D
Dong
Jia-Sheng
JS
Shen
Guo-Xiong
GX
Chai
Gang
G
Yu
Zhe-Yuan
ZY
Lang
Wei-Jun
WJ
Ai
Song-Tao
ST
D000818:Animals; D001861:Bone Regeneration; D019465:Craniofacial Abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000648:ultrastructure; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D019344:Lactic Acid; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011091:Polyesters; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D011108:Polymers; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)