What Type Of CT Scan Is Needed To See My Medpor Chin and Jaw Angle Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Two years ago I got Medpor chin and mandibular angle implants, but there’s a serious degree of asymmetry which I would like to correct. But before eventual revision I need to do post-op CBCT scan and 3D visualisation of the inserted implants in order to properly recognize the problem. My surgeon ordered me to do a MRI scan of my skull, but we were unable to create a the result that would allow us to create a 3D model of my skull with visible implants on it.

How to visualise the implants post-op via CBCT the same way you do ? I ask because you did sucessfully visualise them as I saw on your website, but I couldn’t find any information about the method or settings used for CBCT device on the internet.

Thank you in advance for your answer

A:One of the drawbacks to the Medpor material is that you are simply not going to see it on a 3D CT scan which makes any type of revision blind. While they are obviously there the density of the material is changed by the tissue ingrowth so they can no longer be visualized as a solid implant. It is not a matter of setting or how the scans are taken. There are proprietary extraction methods to potentially get that information but that is not technology that is available on your end.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon