Principal Investigator: Pamela C. Yelick, PhD
Organization: Tufts University
Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) injuries represented 33% of the battlefield injuries sustained in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan)1, and 25% of wounded British and US soldiers who reached a medical Treatment facility 2. CMF battlefield injuries include 27% involving fracture, of which 36% were in the mandible and 19% were in the maxilla/zygoma1. The increased need for effective treatments for CMF injuries is exacerbated by increased survival due to better body armor, while still exposing face to see and hear3. Limitations of currently used medical practice include: 1) inability to effectively repair critical sized craniofacial defects; 2) inadequate vascularization of regenerated jawbone; 3) slow bone regeneration; 4) need for multiple surgeries to repair jawbone followed by subsequent dental implant placement; 5) lack of durability and sustainability of regenerated jaw and dental tissues.
The focus of the proposed research is to build on our AFIRM2 efforts to create and validate models for novel bioengineered tooth and bone replacement constructs, using in vitro and in vivo approaches. The purpose of the proposed research is to devise more effective methods to repair craniofacial jaw and tooth defects in humans in a manner that is functional, aesthetic, and long-lasting. The bone-tooth constructs proposed here are envisioned to provide an improved therapy for individuals suffering from jaw-bone and tooth loss. The scope of this project includes the ability to repair craniofacial/tooth defects experienced by warriors on the battlefield, and for civilians who have experienced craniofacial/tooth defects caused by birth defects, accidental injury, cancer resection and/or trauma. We anticipate that the products generated under this award will be used by Craniomaxillofacial surgeons in Combat Support Hospitals and/or US Military Treatment Facilities, and by civilian craniofacial surgeons in civilian hospitals and medical centers. Little additional training will be required.
- Mitchener TA et al., 2017 Oral-Maxillofacial Injury surveillance of the US Military Personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan 2001- 2014. Mil Med 2017 182(3):e1767-e1773.
- Breeze J et al., 2019 Facial injury management undertake n at US and UK medical treatment facilities during the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts: a retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2019;9.11
- Lew TA et al., 2010. Characterization of craniomaxillofacial battle injuries sustained by United States service members in the current conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2010 Jan;68(1):3-7.