Computer-aided Design and Syringe-aided Manufacturing for Mandibular Reconstruction Using a Vascularized Fibula Flap

Thanks to the introduction of virtual surgical planning (VSP), mandibular reconstruction using a fibula flap has become simplified, and patient-specific reconstruction is now possible. With a VSP software, surgical "cutting guides" and custom-made titanium plates can be designed to help surgeons. However, they are expensive and require extended periods of time either for prototyping or to acquire the advanced knowledge necessary for operating the VSP software. The aim of this article is to introduce a new easy and low-cost method of surgical planning for mandible reconstruction using a computer-aided design and the syringe-aided manufacturing technique. Simulations of fibula osteotomy are performed using regular and commercially available 10-ml syringes. The syringes are cut into separate segments to fit the defect of the 3-dimensional mandible model and to match the prebent titanium plate. The syringe segments are then connected together 3-dimensionally to confirm that the shape matched both the contour of the defect and the angles of the mandible. The simulated syringe segments are used as cutting guides. Then osteotomies are performed according to the cutting guide to obtain the exact lengths and angles required to achieve precise bony reconstruction. The mandibular reconstruction procedures are successful, with a good match between the preoperative planned syringe models and the final results of the surgery. Although further clinical investigation will be required to confirm its efficacy, the computer-aided design and the syringe-aided manufacturing method has the potential to be a useful technique for mandible reconstruction using a vascularized fibula flap.