Mandibular Reconstruction Assisted by Preoperative Simulation and Accurate Transferring Templates: Preliminary Report of Clinical Application

Abstract

This study investigated the application of a computer-aided design and manufacturing technique of defining tumor resection, fibula cutting, and positioning by surgical templates in mandibular reconstructive surgery. Four patients who required mandibulectomy and simultaneous reconstruction were enrolled in this study. Preoperative surgical simulation was performed. The surgical templates that defined tumor resection, fibula cutting, and positioning were designed and fabricated. The surgeries were performed to the preoperative plan. All flaps survived. Superimposition of the postoperative image and the preoperative plan showed a satisfactory surgical accuracy. This method of defining tumor resection, fibula cutting, and positioning by surgical templates was accurate enough for mandibular reconstructive surgery.