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Soft tissue movements after mandibular reconstruction using the vascularized iliac flap: patterns and predictions
Mengkun Ding1, Yifan Kang1, Xiaofeng Shan1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, No. 22 South Avenue, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China.
Predicting soft tissue movement after mandibular reconstruction is possible. Hard and adjacent soft tissue movements effectively predict outcomes in the lower face and alveolar process.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Mandibular reconstruction is crucial for restoring facial form and function.
- Understanding soft-to-hard tissue response is vital for aesthetic outcomes.
- Predictive models can improve surgical planning and patient satisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate soft-to-hard tissue response after mandibular reconstruction.
- To develop a predictive model for soft tissue movement.
- To enhance aesthetic results in facial reconstructive surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 18 patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction with vascularized iliac flaps.
- Analysis of various tissue movement indicators to identify predictors.
- Development and evaluation of face-region-specific linear regression models.
Main Results:
- Hard tissue movement in regional areas (Ram) was an effective predictor of soft tissue movement.
- A linear regression model using Ram, global extrema, and distances achieved an average error of 1.51 ± 1.38 mm for the lower face margin.
- Soft tissue movement in the alveolar process was predictable by movement below it, independent of dentition.
Conclusions:
- Accurate prediction of soft tissue movements in the lower face and alveolar process is achievable.
- Hard tissue and adjacent soft tissue movements are key predictors.
- No effective predictor was identified for the masseter area.
