Application of compact aluminum oxide ceramic implants in maxillofacial surgery.

In a 4-year period, 40 compact aluminum oxide ceramic implants fixed with titanium plates and screws were used: 24 for the correction of mandibular defects, 9 for temporomandibular joint replacement, and 7 for augmentation of facial contour. During the 1 to 4 years following the operations, it was not necessary to remove any aluminum oxide joint or implant used for contour correction. In 5 of the 24 cases of mandibular reconstruction, however, it was necessary to remove the ceramic. In 3 cases, this was due to recurrence of the tumor, and in 2 cases the cause was dermal necrosis.