This paper is to report our study in which the differences between prosthetic restoration and surgical reconstruction using traditional clasp retention technology were analyzed based on three-dimensional finite element methods in our laboratory. Firstly, the maxillary unilateral defect model was developed using medical image processing software MIMICS. Secondly, the prosthesis was generated by mirroring technology. The clasp was designed according to the methods raised by Aramany. Then, the stress distribution of maxilla was calculated by simulating occlusion. According to the results, after osseointegration of surgical reconstruction, stresses of unaffected abutments were reduced significantly, and less stress of junction occurred near zygoma of affected side, which were all less than stresses of prosthesis restoration. Thus, removing the clasp of surgical reconstruction increased the stresses of unaffected abutments. The stress trends of maxillary components were different between prosthetic restoration and surgical reconstruction. Surgical reconstruction is better than prosthesis restoration in protection of the abutments. Clasp can alleviate the occlusal burden of maxilla. Varieties of retentive technologies can be considered in prosthesis restoration. The surgical reconstruction is more conducive to rehabilitate unilateral maxilla biomechanically in clinic.
The successful replantation of a severed limb by CHEN Zhongwei in 1963 marked the beginning of microsurgery in China. The complete survival of a completely severed finger replantation and the successful free transplantation of the second toe to reconstruct the thumb in 1966, as well as the successful transplantation of a free inguinal skin flap in 1973, were all landmark achievements. The Guangzhou Experience Exchange Conference on Limb Replantation in 1972 and the American Replantation Mission to China in 1973 promoted academic exchanges and technology dissemination both domestically and internationally in China’s microsurgery field. China’s limb (finger) replantation techniques and principles were recognized and promoted worldwide, and Chinese microsurgery developed in step with the world and created many world firsts. Since then, Chinese microsurgery has long been among the advanced academic ranks internationally.
