3D Printed Bioactive Ceramic Scaffold Osseoconduction Across Critical-Sized Mandibular Defects
Abstract
Purpose Vascularized bone tissue transfer, commonly used to reconstruct large mandibular defects, are challenged by long operative times, extended hospital stay, donor-site morbidity, and resulting health care. 3D-printed osteoconductive tissue-engineered scaffolds may provide an alternative solution for reconstruction of significant mandibular defects. This pilot study presents a novel 3D-printed bioactive ceramic scaffold with osteoconductive properties to treat segmental mandibular defects in a rabbit model. Methods Full-thickness mandibulectomy defects (12mm) were created at the mandibular body of six adult rabbits and replaced by 3D-printed ceramic scaffold made of 100% β-tricalcium phosphate, fit to defect based on CT imaging. After 8-weeks, animals were euthanized, the mandibles were retrieved, and bone regeneration was assessed. Bone growth was qualitatively assessed with histology and backscatter scanning electron microscopy, quantified both histologically and with microCT and advanced 3D image reconstruction software, and compared to unoperated mandible segments (UMS). Results Histology quantified scaffold with newly formed bone area occupancy at 54.3 ± 11.7%, compared to UMS baseline bone area occupancy at 55.8 ± 4.4%, and bone area occupancy as a function of scaffold free space at 52.8 ± 13.9%. 3D volume occupancy quantified newly formed bone volume occupancy was 36.3 ± 5.9%, compared to UMS baseline bone volume occupancy at 33.4 ± 3.8%, and bone volume occupancy…
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