Intraoperative Real-Time Image-Guided Fibular Harvest and Mandibular Reconstruction: A Feasibility Study on Cadaveric Specimens

Background: This study assesses the feasibility of real-time surgical navigation to plan and guide sequential steps during mandible reconstruction on a series of cadaveric specimens.

Methods: An image-guided surgical (IGS) system was designed including customized mandible and fibula fixation devices with navigation reference frames and an accompanied image-guided software. The mandibular and fibular segmental osteotomies were performed using the IGS in all five cadaveric patients. Procedural time and cephalometric measurements were recorded.

Results: Five real-time IGS mandibulectomy and fibular reconstruction were successfully performed. The mean Dice score and Hausdorff-95 distance between the planned and actual mandible reconstructions was 0.8 ± 0.08 and 7.29 ± 4.81 mm, respectively. Intercoronoid width, interangle width, and mandible projection differences were 1.15 ± 1.17 mm, 0.9 ± 0.56 mm, and 1.47 ± 1.62 mm, respectively.

Conclusion: This study presents the first demonstration of a comprehensive image-guided workflow for mandibulectomy and fibular flap reconstruction on cadaveric specimens and resulted in adequate cephalometric accuracy.