Customized Surgical Plates for Computer-Assisted Maxillary and Mandibular Reconstruction.

Area of Science:

• Maxillofacial surgery
• Biomedical engineering
• Computer-aided medical interventions

Background:

• Jaw reconstruction after ablative surgeries presents significant challenges for maxillofacial surgeons.
• Osseous free flaps are the standard for functional rehabilitation, but conventional free-hand shaping of donor bone can yield suboptimal results.
• Advancements in technology offer potential solutions to improve predictability and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the workflow of virtual surgical planning (VSP).
• To detail the clinical application of patient-specific devices in jaw reconstruction.
• To highlight how technology can overcome challenges in maxillofacial reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing computer-assisted surgery and virtual surgical planning (VSP) for pre-operative assessment and planning.
• Employing 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology to create patient-specific surgical guides and plates.
• Integrating VSP with patient-specific devices for precise intraoperative execution.

Main Results:

• VSP and 3D printing enable the fabrication of precise, patient-specific surgical guides and plates.
• These patient-specific devices facilitate accurate shaping and positioning of bone segments during reconstruction.
• The approach promises more predictable and optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes compared to conventional methods.

Conclusions:

• Virtual surgical planning combined with patient-specific 3D-printed devices represents a significant advancement in jaw reconstruction.
• This integrated workflow offers enhanced precision and predictability, leading to improved functional rehabilitation.
• The technology facilitates overcoming the complexities associated with maxillofacial reconstructive surgery.