Novel In-House Design for Fibula Cutting Guide With Detachable Connecting Arm for Head and Neck Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• In-house 3D planning and manufacturing are increasingly utilized in high-volume head and neck reconstructive centers globally.
• Accurate and predictable head and neck reconstruction relies on specialized fibula cutting guides.
• Existing guides may present challenges in bulkiness and surgical site access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design, manufacture, and operative technique of a novel fibula cutting guide.
• To present a versatile and adjustable guide that improves surgical access and minimizes bone removal.
• To offer an alternative to existing fibula cutting guides for head and neck reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a novel fibula cutting guide featuring detachable connecting arms.
• Evaluation of the guide's physical characteristics, including bulkiness and adjustability.
• Description of the operative technique for utilizing the guide in fibula osteotomies for reconstructive surgery.

Main Results:

• The novel fibula cutting guide is less bulky compared to conventional designs.
• Detachable connecting arms provide improved access for safe osteotomies.
• The guide's versatility and adjustability allow for minimized bone removal between segments, enhancing precision.

Conclusions:

• The described fibula cutting guide offers a straightforward, effective solution for head and neck reconstruction.
• Its design facilitates safer osteotomies and more precise bone segment management.
• This novel guide represents a valuable advancement for reconstructive surgery centers.