Evaluation of the Accuracy of Three-Dimensional Virtual Surgical Planning for Reconstruction of Mandibular Defects Using Free Fibular Flap.

BACKGROUND

Mandibular reconstruction is considered one of the most complex reconstructive surgeries in the field of craniomaxillofacial surgery. With the introduction of microvascular reconstructive surgery, free fibula flap become the gold standard for reconstruction of mandibular defects. For optimum restoration of the patient's esthetics and function, the free fibular flap should be recontoured to follow the natural premorbid state of the mandible. Virtual surgical planning using preoperative computed tomographic (CT) data can be rendered into 3-dimensional (3D) model for digitalized simulation of the bony resection and reconstruction with reported high accuracy.

METHODS

Ten patients were included in the study for delayed mandibular reconstruction using free fibular flap. For all the patients, preoperative CT scan for the skull and lower limbs were obtained and integrated into the software for virtual planning and guides fabrications. Postoperative CT was obtained and rendered 3D model to be superimposed on the preoperative record for assessment of the virtual planning accuracy by different linear and angular measurements.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was found between virtual group and postoperative group where P = 0.067, regarding average of linear measurements of all patients. Statistically significant difference was found between virtual group and postoperative group in measurements from axial plane where P = 0.004. No statistically significant difference was found between virtual group and postoperative group where P = 0.723, regarding angles between fibular segments.

CONCLUSION

Virtual surgical planning for mandibular reconstruction offers high reproducibility and precision, reducing the side errors, besides its time saving advantage for both the operator and the patient.