Systematizing mandibular reconstruction using the resin frame method

Abstract

Aims: Oral tumors are the most frequent diseases that lead to mandibular defects, but because they are so rare, it is difficult to obtain the necessary large capital investment to establish and introduce a mandibular reconstruction system. Therefore, we developed the Resin Frame method within the current facilities that objectively increases mandibular reproducibility without requiring advanced techniques. Methods: Subjects comprised 25 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction by the resin frame method in the Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Jichi Medical University Hospital between October 2013 and August 2015, and 25 patients who underwent the mandibular reconstruction by the conventional method between September 2007 and November 2011. All mandibles were reconstructed using fibula or iliac bones with a reconstruction plate. The computed tomography (CT) Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data before and after the operation were saved. Then, the layer function was used to fuse the pre- and postoperative CT images. Based on measured area, the concordance rate that is matching percentages between pre- and postoperative mandibles were calculated. We evaluated the difference between the concordance rate of the Resin Frame method and the conventional method of mandibular reconstruction. Results: Concordance rates for the resin frame method and conventional surgery were 75.09±6.09% and 67.39±13.44%, respectively, showing a significant difference (p=0.032, p lessthan 0.05). Conclusion: The resin frame method represents a mandibular reconstruction system that increases reproduction accuracy and can be implemented at current facilities using simple, objective techniques.