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A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
Misjudgments at the mandibular angle: freehand versus computer-assisted screw positioning.
Heinz-Theo Lübbers1, Peter Messmer, Klaus Wilhelm Grätz
1Clinic for Craniomaxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University Hospital of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland. t.luebbers@gmail.com
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|July 9, 2010
Summary
Computer navigation significantly improves the accuracy of placing mandibular distractor screws, reducing deviation from the planned position. This enhances precision for distraction osteogenesis in mandibular deformities.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Distraction osteogenesis is a key technique for mandibular deformities, relying on precise implant positioning for buried intraoral devices.
- While computer navigation is used in craniofacial surgery, its application in the mandibular region for distraction osteogenesis is less explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of computer-assisted navigation for positioning mandibular distractor implants.
- To compare navigated versus non-navigated screw placement in a simulated mandibular surgery.
Main Methods:
- A simulated clinical scenario using a mandible model in a phantom head.
- Screws were positioned virtually planned via transoral and transbuccal approaches, with and without computer navigation.
Main Results:
- Non-navigated screw placement showed a mean deviation of 4.9 mm, with a tendency towards easily accessible areas.
- Navigated screw placement resulted in a significantly lower mean deviation of 1.5 mm.
Conclusions:
- Computer-assisted surgery offers high accuracy for mandibular angle procedures.
- Navigation is a viable method for precise device placement in mandibular distraction osteogenesis.
