Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has emerged as a promising alternative to titanium and autologous bone for craniomaxillofacial (CMF) reconstruction, particularly in patient-specific implant design. However, its clinical performance (aesthetic and functional) across the wide spectrum of CMF indications remains incompletely defined. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to April 29, 2026. Studies reporting clinical outcomes of patient-specific PEEK implants in adult CMF reconstruction were included. The data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment (JBI tool) were performed by two reviewers independently. Fifteen studies involving 203 patients and 236 patient-specific PEEK implants met the inclusion criteria. Reconstructions addressed cranial, orbital, midface, and mandibular defects following benign and malignant tumour resection, trauma, or infection. The pooled overall complication rate was 20.1%, with most complications being minor and predominantly related to local surgical conditions rather than implant failure. Implant loss occurred in 13 cases (pooled implant loss 6.5%), between 55 days and 2 years postoperatively. Aesthetic outcomes were reported as satisfactory or very satisfactory with a pooled rate of 87.4%. Functional outcomes were generally acceptable, particularly in non-load-bearing reconstructions. The implant loss rate was numerically higher in previously irradiated patients, although this subgroup was very small (7/236 implants). Patient-specific PEEK implants represent a clinically effective alloplastic option for selected CMF reconstructions, providing favourable aesthetic and functional outcomes when appropriate indications and local risk factors are carefully considered.
The evolution of virtual surgical planning of advanced corrections of the temporomandibular joint with a total joint replacement (TJR), and with simultaneous corrections of dentofacial deformities, has contributed to a profound improvement of treatment possibilities. However, in cases where virtual surgical planning has been desirable, a customized TJR has up to now been preferred. As such, a customized patient-specific implant always comes with a higher cost compared to a standardized total joint replacement design. The present technical note illustrates how virtual surgical planning is possible to perform using available standardized total temporomandibular joint replacement. In detail, workflow, and all features of valuable image information, such as resection models, drilling depths, and occlusal, splints are presented. The largest distances of movements in this sample were 37 mm anterior reposition of the chin together with 22 mm vertical reposition of the mandibular angle. The suggested method combines the advantages of virtual surgical planning with the economic advantages of standardized design of TJR. However, a future comparison of the outcome with the patient-specific TJR is warranted.
