Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) defects arise from trauma (accidents, violence), tumor resection, congenital anomalies (e.g., cleft lip/palate), and infections/osteonecrosis. Both soft (skin, muscle, nerves) and hard (bone, cartilage) tissues are affected. These defects cause severe functional impairments (eating, speaking, breathing), chronic pain, and significant psychosocial distress due to facial disfigurement, impacting identity and quality of life. Complex sensory/motor nerve damage adds further disability. Although various surgeries have been applied for CMF defect repair, there remains some huge challenges in treatment outcomes. The key hurdles include replicating the intricate 3D anatomy and biomechanics of the face, achieving functional vascularization in thick, multi-tissue constructs, ensuring long-term biocompatibility and integration of implants/scaffolds, managing complex nerve regeneration, and meeting high aesthetic demands. Meanwhile, personalized reconstruction remains difficult.

This Research Topic aims to dive into the understanding of CMF defect and address these above-mentioned issues and challenges in CMF reconstruction by exploring recent advances such as high-resolution 3D bioprinting, sacrificial bioinks for vascular networks, advanced biomaterials (smart scaffolds, bioactive coatings), novel nerve guidance conduits, and AI-enhanced surgical planning. We seek contributions leveraging these technologies to achieve truly biomimetic, functional, and aesthetically successful patient-specific reconstructions.

This Research Topic aims to gather high-quality original research articles, systematic reviews, case reports, and technical notes that explore:
•Fundamental research in molecular mechanism of CMF dysplasia, cell communications in CMF defect and reconstruction
•Novel surgical techniques of microvascular free flaps, distraction osteogenesis, CAD/CAM-assisted reconstruction
•3D-printed scaffolds, bioactive implants, regenerative therapies for craniomaxillofacial reconstruction
•Digital workflows of virtual surgical planning, AI-assisted defect analysis, and intraoperative navigation
•Outcome assessment (e.g., functional recovery, patient-reported outcomes, long-term stability)
•Multidisciplinary approaches such as collaboration between maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, prosthodontists, and engineers

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Craniomaxillofacial Reconstruction: from Bench to Bedside

Topic Coordinator