Alloplasty is a surgical procedure performed to substitute and repair defects within the body with the use of synthetic material.[1] It can also be performed in order to bridge wounds.[1] The process of undergoing alloplasty involves the construction of an alloplastic graft through the use of computed tomography (CT), rapid prototyping and "the use of computer-assisted virtual model surgery."[1] Each alloplastic graft is individually constructed and customised according to the patient's defect to address their personal health issue.[2] Alloplasty can be applied in the form of reconstructive surgery. An example where alloplasty is applied in reconstructive surgery is in aiding cranial defects.[3] The insertion and fixation of alloplastic implants can also be applied in cosmetic enhancement and augmentation.[4] Since the inception of alloplasty, it has been proposed that it could be a viable alternative to other forms of transplants. The biocompatibility and customisation of alloplastic implants and grafts provides a method that may be suitable for both minor and major medical cases that may have more limitations in surgical approach. Although there has been evidence that alloplasty is a viable method for repairing and substituting defects, there are disadvantages including suitability of patient bone quality and quantity for long term implant stability, possibility of rejection of the alloplastic implant, injuring surrounding nerves, cost of procedure and long recovery times.[5][6][7][8] Complications can also occur from inadequate engineering of alloplastic implants and grafts, and poor implant fixation to bone. These include infection, inflammatory reactions, the fracture of alloplastic implants and prostheses, loosening of implants or reduced or complete loss of osseointegration.[6][9]
^ abcChandran, Ravi; Keeler, Gary D.; Christensen, Andrew M.; Weimer, Katherine A.; Caloss, Ron (January 2011). "Application of Virtual Surgical Planning for Total Joint Reconstruction With a Stock Alloplast System". Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 69 (1): 285–294. doi:10.1016/j.joms.2010.03.010. ISSN0278-2391. PMID20727647.