Mandible reconstruction assisted by preoperative virtual surgical simulation

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of mandible reconstruction with preoperative virtual planning, which focused on esthetics and occlusion.

Study design: A series of 9 patients were enrolled prospectively to undergo mandibulectomy and simultaneous reconstruction. Preoperative spiral CT scans of the maxillofacial region and the fibula region were performed. Virtual surgery of tumor resection and fibula reconstruction was performed in the Mimics platform. The reconstructed mandible models were fabricated with CAD/CAM technique. The reconstruction plate and the positioning template were accommodated to the stereolithographic model as the surgical template.

Results: Surgery was performed accurately according to the templates. All the fibula flaps survived. The appearance and occlusion of the patients were satisfactory.

Conclusions: With preoperative virtual planning, the spatial relationship of the mandible and the fibula graft can be planned individually, which helps achieve optimum appearance and occlusion relationship.