The Accuracy of 3D Surgical Design and Simulation in Prefabricated Fibula Free Flaps for Jaw Reconstruction

Abstract

The ideal jaw reconstruction involves the restoration and maintenance of jaw continuity, jaw relations, joint alignment, and facial contour, and, most importantly, dental occlusal reconstruction. One of the essential requirements of achieving a consistent functional outcome is to place the bony reconstruction in the correct three-dimensional position as it relates to the other jaw segments and dentition. A protocol of occlusion-driven reconstruction of prefabricated fibular free flaps that are customized to the patient with surgical design and simulation (SDS)-planned osseointegrated implant installation was developed by our institution. This innovation introduced significant flexibility and efficiency to jaw reconstructions, but functional and cosmetic outcomes were dependent on the accuracy of the final reconstructions when compared to the SDS plan. The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of the SDS-planned fibular flap prefabrication in a cohort of patients undergoing jaw reconstruction. All patients that had undergone primary jaw reconstruction with prefabricated fibular free flaps were reviewed. The primary outcome of this study was the accuracy of the postoperative implant positions as compared to the SDS plan. A total of 23 implants were included in the analysis. All flaps survived, there was no implant loss postoperatively, and all the patients underwent all stages of the reconstruction. SDS planning of fibular flap prefabrication resulted in better than 2 mm accuracy of osteointegrated implant placement in a cohort of patients undergoing jaw reconstruction. This accuracy could potentially result in improved functional and cosmetic outcomes.