Investigation of Preoperative Bending with Mock-up Model Using 3D Printer in Immediate Reconstruction of Mandibular Bone

Abstract

Mandibular bone defects resulting from tumor resection are generally treated with mandibular reconstruction plates. In our institution, the mandibular reconstruction plates are bent using a mandibular mock-up model before operation. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of 3D printers and mock-up models. Mock-up models were prepared with a 3D printer on the basis of DICOM data from computed tomographic images of the head, which were obtained preoperatively and used to assess the range of excision of the mandibular bone. On the basis of this analysis, the mandibular reconstruction plate was bent and sterilized preoperatively and fixed to the mandibular bone intraoperatively. In this study, we compared plate fixation time between preoperative bending and intraoperative bending. The range of mandibulectomy could be sufficiently assessed before surgery by using a mock-up model. The preparation and bending of the mandibular reconstruction plate before surgery allowed the plate to be applied to the bone with minor adjustment during surgery, significantly shortening the operation time as compared with intraoperative bending of the plate. Preoperative bending of mandibular reconstruction plates based on mock-up models using a 3D printer shortens the plate-fixation time.