[Surgery guided by customized devices: reconstruction with a free fibula flap]

Abstract

The reconstruction of jaws with a free fibula flap can be anticipated virtually. The simulation can be transferred to the operating theater using customized devices obtained from computer-assisted design and manufacturing in a complete digital workflow. Several alternatives are available, from cutting guides to customized titanium osteosynthesis plates, to obtain the best accuracy and reproducibility of reconstruction. Moreover, these new processes allow integrating prosthetic planning concomitantly with reconstruction. We present the virtual three-dimensional planning method for jaw reconstruction with a free fibula flap and the various alternatives of surgery guided by customized devices provided by this planning.

Keywords: Chirurgie assistée par ordinateur; Computer-assisted surgery; Free flaps; Lambeaux libres; Maxillo-mandibular reconstruction; Reconstruction maxillo-mandibulaire.