Navigational exploration of bony defect mimicking a solid lesion of the mandible compared to conventional surgery by young professionals

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the accuracy of resection a solid lesion in an acrylic lower jaw by young professionals using a dynamic computer-assisted surgical system comparted to conventional surgery technique.

Material and methods: Twenty students performed the removal of the lesion conventionally and twenty students did the operation with a dynamic computer-assisted surgical system. Both groups were compared regarding the defect size, operation time, and surgical complications.

Results: The defect size in the jaw was significant smaller with the navigated surgery (p < 0.001). Operation time was shorter without navigation system, but no significance was found (p = 0.137). Without navigation system three young professionals perforated the lingual cortex.

Discussion: Navigated surgery can immediately be used by young professionals and support young surgeons in everyday clinical practice, especially in operations with difficult anatomic situations.

Keywords: Conventional surgery; Difficult anatomic situations; Navigated surgery; Solid lesion; Young professionals.