Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of virtual planning using customized surgical devices (VP3D) in fibula free flap mandibular reconstruction.
Methods: Fourteen patients received VP3D and 16 patients underwent conventional surgery (CS). Virtual planning was compared to postoperative scans using cephalometric and three-dimensional (3D) measurements. Operative times of both VP3D and CS groups were compared.
Results: Comparisons of cephalometric measurements revealed no significant difference between virtual planning and postoperative scans. 3D analysis demonstrated a high level of virtual planning accuracy. In the VP3D group, total operative time gain was 88 min (p < 0.001) and total ischemia time gain was 36 min (p = 0.04).
Conclusion: Virtual surgical planning using customized devices enables 'tailored' surgery that is accurate and reliable and results in operative and ischemia time gain.
Clinical trial: NCT03869723.
Keywords: Fibula flap; Mandibular defect; Pre-bent plate; Reconstruction; Virtual planning.