Virtual Surgical Planning and Stereolithography-guided Osteotomy for 3 Dimensional Mandibular Reconstruction with Free Fibula Osseous Flaps: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

fibula flap has become the gold standard for most mandibular reconstructions because of its favorable osseous characteristics. However, disadvantages, such as the time-consuming reconstructive step, difficulty in performing the osteotomies to precisely recreate the shape of the missing segment of mandible and poor bone-to-bone contact play a role in making the surgeons look for alternative flaps. With the advent of computerized design software, which accurately plans complex 3-dimensional reconstructions, has become a process that is more efficient and precise. However, the ability to transfer the computerized plan into the surgical field with stereolithographic models and guides has been a significant development in advancing reconstruction in the maxillofacial regions. The ability to "pre-plan" the case, mirror and superimpose natural structures into diseased and deformed areas, as well as the ability to reproduce these plans with good surgical precision has decreased overall operative time, and has helped facilitate functional and esthetic reconstruction. We describe a complex case treated with this technique, showing the power and elegance of computer assisted maxillofacial reconstruction from the University of Michigan, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.