Craniomaxillofacial
Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) capability addresses traumatic and surgical disorders of the skull, face, jaws, and dentoalveolar structures. Focus areas include hemorrhage control, skeletal fixation, soft-tissue and orbital reconstruction, nerve repair, prosthetic restoration, and deployable point‑of‑care solutions.
Technical Challenges
High-energy blast and ballistic polytrauma causing complex comminuted facial fractures and soft-tissue loss
Hemorrhage control in anatomically complex regions with airway compromise and concomitant TBI
Infection risk, biofilm formation on implants, and antimicrobial resistance in contaminated wounds
Limited resources for definitive microsurgical reconstruction in far‑forward or prolonged field care settings
Emerging Opportunities
Rapid, deployable skeletal and soft‑tissue reconstruction that bridges to definitive care
Point‑of‑care diagnostics and imaging that guide real‑time operative decisions in austere environments
Regenerative bone and soft‑tissue scaffolds that integrate with host tissues and reduce donor-site morbidity
Antimicrobial, biofilm‑resistant implant materials and local drug-delivery options tailored for contaminated CMF wounds
Current and Emerging Technologies in Craniomaxillofacial
3D printing and patient‑specific implants
Additive manufacturing enables rapid production of patient‑specific titanium and polymer implants, surgical guides, and facial prosthetic frameworks to shorten operative time and improve anatomic reconstruction.
Regenerative scaffolds and cellular therapies
Biomimetic scaffolds, growth factor delivery (e.g., BMP variants), and stem‑cell augmented constructs aim to regenerate bone and soft tissue, reduce grafting needs, and restore function after large CMF defects.
Vascularized composite reconstruction and microsurgery
Advances in microsurgical techniques, perfusion monitoring, and ischemia mitigation support free tissue transfer and vascularized bone flaps for definitive aesthetic and functional restoration.
Point‑of‑care imaging and intraoperative navigation
Portable CT, cone‑beam CT, ultrasound, and augmented‑reality navigation allow accurate fracture assessment, implant placement, and real‑time decision support in forward environments.
Antimicrobial strategies and biofilm management
Coated implants, localized antibiotic delivery, anti‑biofilm surfaces, and rapid molecular diagnostics target infection control in contaminated CMF wounds and reduce implant failure rates.
Telehealth, remote decision support, and prolonged field care tools
Secure teleconsultation, image transfer, and decision‑support algorithms extend surgical expertise to austere settings, enabling temporizing procedures and triage during delayed evacuation.
Importance to Military Medicine
Combat casualty care and survival
Rapid control of facial hemorrhage, airway protection, and temporary stabilization reduce mortality and prevent secondary brain injury in blast and ballistic trauma.
Prolonged and austere care
Deployable CMF solutions and remote guidance maintain function and prevent morbidity when evacuation is delayed or definitive facilities are inaccessible.
Force readiness and return to duty
Effective reconstruction restores airway, vision, mastication, and appearance—key determinants of rehabilitation, morale, and operational readiness.
Civilian surge and dual‑use impact
Technologies developed for the battlefield translate to trauma centers and disaster response, improving outcomes in mass‑casualty and rural settings.
Alignment with the MTEC Mission
Accelerates translation of CMF innovations from research to practice by leveraging MTEC’s DoD-focused consortia and rapid contracting pathways.
Fosters multidisciplinary collaborations among trauma surgeons, biomedical engineers, industry, and military stakeholders to solve operationally relevant problems.
Supports dual‑use outcomes by prioritizing technologies with civilian applicability for broader public health impact.
Dual-Use (Military + Civilian) Applications
Acute battlefield interventions: airway management, hemorrhage control, and temporary fixation to stabilize casualties for evacuation.
Reconstructive surgery: staged definitive repairs including bone grafting, free tissue transfer, and orbital and mandibular reconstruction.
Rehabilitation and prosthetics: craniofacial prostheses, dental rehabilitation, scar management, and functional restoration for long‑term quality of life.
Distributed care: teleconsultation, remote imaging, and decision support to guide temporizing surgeries and triage in prolonged field care.
Explore MTEC Members with Craniomaxillofacial Capabilities
MTEC members bring complementary strengths across academia, industry, and military research: academic centers advance basic science and regenerative strategies; medtech companies translate implants, navigation, and manufacturing; military labs provide operational testing and access to clinical environments; clinicians validate outcomes in trauma and reconstruction.
Explore member profiles to identify partners with expertise in 3D design, biomaterials, microsurgery, point‑of‑care imaging, and telehealth to accelerate CMF solutions for Warfighters and civilians.
83 Members with Craniomaxillofacial capabilities.
The University of Texas System is a leading public university system in the United States, dedicated to improving lives through education, health care, and research. With over 256,000 students enrolled across 14 institutions, the UT System is committed to providing affordable access to higher education and producing a skilled workforce to drive Texas's economy.
The Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) is a member-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the bioeconomy of the United States. Its mission encompasses enhancing manufacturing, healthcare, and education and workforce development, aiming to create a scalable and effective manufacturing ecosystem for engineered cells, tissues, and organs.
Georgia Southern University is a vibrant institution with over 26,100 students across three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. The university offers 132 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate levels, emphasizing student success, community impact, and research excellence. With a commitment to inclusivity and engagement, Georgia Southern fosters a supportive environment for diverse learners, including military-affiliated and adult students. The university is dedicated to transforming lives through education and community engagement, aligning its programs with regional needs. Additionally, Georgia Southern provides accelerated pathways for students to fast-track their master's degrees, enhancing educational opportunities. The university also emphasizes career readiness and public impact research, preparing students for successful careers and contributing to community development.
FiteBac Technology/FiteBac Pharma's K21 uniquely targets the underlying disease state, given that most diseases involve microbial-associated inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. FiteBac Technology innovations stem from the work of numerous international academic research scientists. FiteBac Pharma K21 is the blockbuster antimicrobial small molecule designed to modulate biological, immunological, and metabolic systems for treating a wide range of infectious and inflammatory diseases. This patented drug substance has demonstrated the ability to safely eliminate bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, enhance innate immunity, induce mitophagy while improving mitochondrial and cellular metabolism, accelerate wound healing, and even promote the development of zebrafish and chickens, leading to increased adult mass. Rigorous research from Dr. Bhupesh Prusty's laboratory and Dr Christopher Rongo's laboratory is focused on various aspects of mitochondrial remodeling and reprograming, as well as mitochondrial-to-nuclear signaling with K21.
Humanetics Corporation is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, focused on developing and commercializing products to enhance human health and wellbeing. Founded in 1988, the company specializes in radiation modulators, adjunctive oncology therapies, and pulmonary protective therapies, particularly for COVID-19. Humanetics is known for its lead drug candidate, BIO 300, which is being developed as a radioprotectant for military and civilian use, as well as a treatment to improve outcomes in cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. The company is actively engaged in research programs for non-small cell lung cancer, prostate cancer, and head and neck cancers.
Auburn University Research & Economic Development is dedicated to advancing research and economic growth through a collaborative effort among its various colleges and departments. The organization focuses on fostering innovation, supporting faculty and student research, and facilitating partnerships with industry and government to address societal challenges and enhance the quality of life. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Team Science Series to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of the Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station to address coastal environmental challenges.
The Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I3R) at the University of Arkansas is dedicated to pioneering solutions to complex societal challenges through convergence research. With a mission to advance research excellence and stimulate economic development, I3R focuses on deploying innovations at scale through collaboration across various sectors, including academia, industry, and government.
UTMB is dedicated to supporting research, education, and scholarly endeavors, with a focus on creating the future of healthcare through innovative research and community engagement.
Spartan Medical is a medical solutions company serving VA medical centers, Department of Defense (DoD) facilities, civilian hospitals, and ambulatory surgery centers across the United States and internationally. The company specializes in advanced medical devices, surgical solutions, and support services, with a history of adapting to emergent healthcare challenges and logistical demands. Spartan Medical has provided solutions in public health crises, such as COVID-19 mitigation, and delivers comprehensive procurement, logistical, and operational support for healthcare organizations. It operates as a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and is recognized for its significant presence in federal healthcare contracting.
The University of Chicago is a prestigious urban research university committed to rigorous inquiry and intellectual freedom. Founded in 1890, it has produced numerous Nobel laureates and is known for its transformative education and groundbreaking research across various fields. The university fosters an inclusive and diverse learning environment, encouraging participation from all community members.
Boston University is a major research institution committed to leading breakthroughs across various disciplines. The Office of Research supports and advances research excellence, fostering collaboration among researchers, industry partners, and government leaders to address significant societal challenges.
Baylor University is a preeminent Christian research university committed to addressing the world's most meaningful challenges through top-tier research and scholarship. Recognized as an R1 research institution, Baylor focuses on infusing its distinct Christian mission into its research initiatives, fostering a commitment to excellence and innovation.
Entropia Labs focuses on advancing functional medicine and wellness therapeutics through AI-driven molecular design and delivery technologies. The company aims to close the gap between promising treatments and rigorous scientific validation, with an emphasis on health-span extension.
NuShores Biosciences LLC, founded in 2014, is dedicated to commercializing patented bone and tissue regeneration technologies developed at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The company aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with severe tissue regeneration needs through innovative solutions like the NuCress™ bone scaffold technology, which is designed to promote healing in large segmental bone defects.
Stream Biomedical is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing first-in-class biologic therapies to restore neurological function by activating the brain’s natural repair mechanisms. Founded in 2016, the company is advancing a protein therapeutic focusing on treating brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases—including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer’s disease—by supporting neurovascular repair and modulating inflammation. Stream Biomedical’s approach is underpinned by rigorous preclinical and translational research, with the goal of changing outcomes for patients affected by severe neurological conditions.
Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology company focused on the repair, regeneration, and replacement of soft and hard tissue. The company aims to restore people's bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. With a commitment to medical education and improving patient outcomes, Smith+Nephew operates in over 100 countries and is dedicated to sustainability and community health. Their purpose is to promote health and wellbeing, not just through their products but also by ensuring a positive impact on society and the environment. Smith+Nephew is also committed to increasing diversity within the medical device industry through initiatives like the Orthopaedics for All global advisory board.
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Moberg Analytics
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University of California San Francisco
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Arizona State University
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