Case Study: UZ Leuven restores jaw function and aesthetics with 3D Systems' patient-specific titanium plate

University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven) repairs jaw fracture with patient-specific 3D printed titanium reconstruction plate from 3D Systems

3D Systems partnered with University Hospitals Leuven to help repair a complex mandibular fracture in a 63-year-old patient whose jaw had been weakened by Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws (MRONJ). The medical team needed a precision solution that would restore jaw continuity and occlusion, avoid donor-site morbidity from autografts, and provide optimal screw placement to prevent material fatigue in the bridging area.

3D Systems produced a patient-specific titanium reconstruction plate—designed from the patient’s CT data, printed on a ProX DMP 320 in LaserForm Ti Gr23, milled, and 3D-inspected prior to delivery—while UZ Leuven printed cutting guides and anatomical models for surgical planning. The customized implant delivered a snug fit, optimized screw positioning, biocompatible and machinable material properties, and a streamlined operation that restored the patient’s jaw function and aesthetics with minimal hospital stay and scarring.

UZ Leuven

Yi Sun

UZ Leuven