Innovative use of a stereolithographic model together with the mirror image technique to reconstruct a defect in mandibular continuity

Abstract

Reconstruction of mandibular defects after resection of a tumour is complicated by anatomical and functional complexities, 1 Rahimov C. Farzaliyev I. Virtual bending of titanium reconstructive plates for mandibular defect bridging: review of three clinical cases. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr. 2011; 4: 223-234 Crossref PubMed Google Scholar and autografts together with reconstruction plates are among the most commonly used techniques. One shortcoming is the relatively long time spent on bending the plate during the operation, which not only increases the operating time, but also causes metal fatigue of the plate. 1 Rahimov C. Farzaliyev I. Virtual bending of titanium reconstructive plates for mandibular defect bridging: review of three clinical cases. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr. 2011; 4: 223-234 Crossref PubMed Google Scholar , 2 Salgueiro M.I. Stevens M.R. Experience with the use of prebent plates for the reconstruction of mandibular defects. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr. 2010; 3: 201-208 Crossref PubMed Google Scholar Ideal symmetry between the affected and non-affected sides is impossible to achieve, but the use of a stereolithographic model (introduced in the 1980s 3 Berry E. Brown J. Connell M. et al. Preliminary experience with medical applications of rapid prototyping by selective laser sintering. Med Eng Phys. 1997; 19: 90-96 Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (192) Google Scholar ), combined with mirroring and superimposition of the non-affected side on to the affected side, is a suitable way to reduce or eliminate these complications.