Virtual surgical planning for mandible reconstruction and micro vascular bone tissue grafting

Micro vascular bone tissue grafting for mid facial and mandible reconstruction has improved over years and gives the surgeon a new outlook in reconstruction of large craniofacial defects. Placement of dental implants on the revascularized grafts has made the procedure very attractive to surgeons and patients as well. However the large variety of donor sites, shape and complexity of the facial skeleton, harvesting the exact shape, precise positioning of the grafts are some of the pertinent problems that make traditional planning methods challenging even for the experienced surgeon. Added to the complexity many procedures involve a combination of custom implants and micro vascular osteocutaneous flaps for best results. Computer assisted planning techniques and guides generated out of the process go a long way in assisting the surgeon in achieving facial symmetry, preventing dystopia and implant based dental rehabilitation comfortably with reduced operating time and lesser chances for repeat surgeries. For mid facial reconstruction custom implants would be the preferred method and for the mandible the traditional recon plates can be used.