The value of titanium mesh in cranio-maxillofacial reconstructive surgery

Abstract

Cranio-maxillofacial defects are often challenging to reconstruct due to the difficulty of selecting the most appropriate material for the individual case while ensuring good outcomes with minimal complications. The chemical properties of titanium regarding biocompatibility coupled with the physical properties of the mesh design, make titanium mesh an optimal material that is increasingly used in reconstructive surgery. We present our experience regarding the use of titanium mesh for the reconstruction of 14 cranio-maxillofacial bone defects of various etiologies, including 8 defects following oncologic resection, 4 posttraumatic sequelae defects, one osteofascial flap donor site defect and one defect following treatment for osteomyelitis. The advantages and disadvantages of this reconstructive method are discussed.