Assessment of Virtual Surgical Planning by Using 3D Modelling and Patient Specific Pre-Bent Plate for Mandibular Reconstruction: A Clinical Trial

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

The Department of Plastic, Burn and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ain Shams University

Abstract

Background: Vascularized bone flaps are now considered
the benchmark for reconstructing the mandible. In recent
years, virtual surgical planning has transformed the process of
bone reconstruction. The procedure nowadays has far better
outcomes in both functional and aesthetic aspects. Moreover,
the operating times has significantly decreased with the continuous
development of new advances. In addition, learning
curve for surgeons has become less steep.
Aim and Objectives: To compare mandibular reconstruction
by free vascularized fibula using 3D models and Patient
specific plate (pre bent by a manufacturer) with conventional
free hand reconstruction method in our practice.
Patients and Methods: This aim was achieved by comparing
two groups of patients operated by the same surgeon.
In group A virtual planning was used. On the other hand, a
conventional free hand technique was used in group B. The
2 groups were compared regarding the operative time and the
accuracy of reconstruction using radiological landmarks and
measurements.
Results: Our results showed a statistically significant reduction
in operative time in Group A when compared to group < br />B. Moreover, there was a non-statistically significant improvement
regarding accuracy of the reconstruction in group A.
Conclusion: The Use of Virtual Surgical Planning & Patient
Specific Plate (pre bent) for mandibular reconstruction
can reduce the operative time and improve the accuracy of reconstruction.

Keywords

Main Subjects


Powcharoen W., Yang W.F., Yan Li K., Zhu W. and Su Y.X.:
Computer-Assisted versus Conventional Freehand Mandibular
Reconstruction with Fibula Free Flap: A Systematic
Review and Meta-Analysis. Plast. Reconstr. Surg., Dec.
144 (6): 1417-1428, 2019.
2- Antony A.K., Chen W.F., Kolokythas A., Weimer K.A. and
Cohen M.N.: Use of virtual surgery and stereolithography-
guided osteotomy for mandibular reconstruction with
the free fibula. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nov. 1;
128 (5): 1080-4, 2011.
3- Thushara Kumari and Arvind Ramanathan: Digital technology
in craniofacial surgery – Historical perspectives to
current applications, 2022.
4- Barretto M.D.A., Melhem-Elias F. and Deboni M.C.Z.:
The untold history of planning in orthognathic surgery:
A narrative review from the beginning to virtual surgical
simulation. J. Stomatol. Oral Maxillofac. Surg., Oct. 123
(5): e251-e259, 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2022.04.002.
Epub 2022 Apr 9. PMID: 35413462.
5- El-Mahallawy Y., Abdelrahman H.H. and Al-Mahalawy H.:
Accuracy of virtual surgical planning in mandibular reconstruction:
Application of a standard and reliable postoperative
evaluation methodology. BMC Oral Health 23,
119, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-023-02811-8.
6- Reinald Kuehle, Medea Kuebler, Jennifer Fuchs, Frederic
Weichel, Julius Moratin, Kolja Freier, Michael Engel, Jürgen
Hoffmann, Oliver Ristow and Christian Freudlsperger:
The value of prebent reconstruction plates and in-house
3D printing, Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgery, 2023.
7- Levine J.P., Bae J.S., Soares M., Brecht L.E., Saadeh P.B.,
Ceradini D.J. and Hirsch D.L.: Jaw in a day: Total maxillofacial
reconstruction using digital technology. Plast Reconstr.
Surg., Jun. 131 (6): 1386-1391, 2013.
8- Ren W., Gao L., Li S., Chen C., Li F., Wang Q., Zhi Y.,
Song J., Dou Z., Xue L. and Zhi K.: Virtual Planning and
3D printing modeling for mandibular reconstruction with
fibula free flap. Med. Oral Patol. Oral Cir. Bucal., May
1; 23 (3): e359-e366, 2018. doi: 10.4317/medoral.22295.
9- Annino D.J., Sethi R.K., Hansen E.E., Horne S., Dey T.,
Rettig E.M., Uppaluri R., Kass J.I. and Goguen L.A.: Virtual
planning and 3D-printed guides for mandibular reconstruction:
Factors impacting accuracy. Laryngoscope
Investig Otolaryngol., Oct. 21; 7 (6): 1798-1807, 2022.
10- Succo G., Berrone M., Battiston B., Tos P., Goia F., Appendino
P. and Crosetti E.: Step-by-step surgical technique
for mandibular reconstruction with fibular free flap: Application
of digital technology in virtual surgical planning.
Eur. Arch. Otorhinolaryngol., Jun. 272 (6): 1491-501,
2015.
11- Van Baar G.J.C., Forouzanfar T., Liberton N.P.T.J., Winters
H.A.H. and Leusink F.K.J.: Accuracy of computer-assisted
surgery in mandibular reconstruction: A systematic
review. Oral Oncol., Sep. 84: 52-60, 2018.
12- Rodby K.A., Turin S., Jacobs R.J., Cruz J.F., Hassid V.J.,
Kolokythas A. and Antony A.K.: Advances in oncologic
head and neck reconstruction: Systematic review and future
considerations of virtual surgical planning and computer
aided design/computer aided modeling. J. Plast Reconstr
Aesthet Surg., Sep. 67 (9): 1171-85, 2014.
13- Liu K., Zhang W., Wang Y., Xiang D.W., Shi H.B. and Liu
Q.L.: Fibula osteal flap with proximal peroneal perforator
skin paddle for composite oromandibular reconstruction:
A case report. Medicine (Baltimore), Dec. 11; 99 (50):
e23590, 2020.
14- Ni Y., Zhang X., Meng Z., Li Z., Li S., Xu Z.F., Sun C., Liu
F. and Duan W.: Digital navigation and 3D model technology
in mandibular reconstruction with fibular free flap:
A comparative study. J. Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg.,
Sep. 122 (4): e59-e64, 2021.
15- Succo G., Berrone M., Battiston B., Tos P., Goia F., Appendino
P. and Crosetti E.: Step-by-step surgical technique
for mandibular reconstruction with fibular free flap: Application
of digital technology in virtual surgical planning.
Eur. Arch. Otorhinolaryngol., Jun. 272 (6): 1491-501,
2015.