Association between non-vascularised bone graft failure and compartment of the defect in mandibular reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Efficacy of personalized 3D-printed osteotomy guide in maximizing fibular utilization and minimizing graft length for reconstruction of large mandibular defect

OBJECTIVE

The study addresses the long-standing challenge of insufficient length in vascularized fibular flaps when reconstructing large mandibular defects that require dual-barrel grafts. Employing personalized 3D-printed osteotomy guides, the study aims to optimize fibular utilization and minimize the required graft length.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two reconstruction methods for distal bone defects were compared: a fold-down (FD) group that employed a specialized osteotomy guide for folding down a triangular bone segment, and a traditional double-barrel (DB) group. Metrics for comparison included defect and graft lengths, as well as the graft-to-defect length ratio. Postoperative quality of life was assessed using the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire (UW-QoL).

RESULT

Both FD and DB groups achieved successful mandibular reconstruction. Despite larger defects in the FD group (117 ± 31.35 mm vs 84 ± 35.34 mm, p = 0.028), the used fibula length was not statistically longer in the FD group. The median ratio of graft-to-defect length was also lower in the FD group (1.327 vs 1.629, p = 0.024), suggesting that FD required only 82.47% of the graft length needed in the DB approach. Quality of life scores post-surgery were comparable between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Personalized 3D-printed osteotomy guides enhance fibula graft efficacy for reconstructing larger mandibular defects, necessitating shorter graft lengths while preserving postoperative quality of life.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study confirms the utility of 3D printing technology as an effective and precise tool in orthopedic surgery, particularly for complex reconstructions like large mandibular defects. It suggests a viable alternative that could potentially revolutionize current practices in bone grafting.

Nonvascularized bone grafts: how successful are they in reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects?

OBJECTIVE

Segmental mandibular defects can occur due to various etiologies, including trauma and tumor resection. Reconstruction should provide adequate support for subsequent dental rehabilitation and allow for proper occlusion. Nonvascularized bone grafts have been used for reconstructing mandibular defects in cases where vascularized grafts were not feasible. The objective of this study was to assess the success rate of these grafts in reconstruction of segmental defects of various sizes in the mandible.

STUDY DESIGN

Fifty patients were included in this retrospective chart review. Length of the grafts varied from 3 to 20 cm and patients were followed up from 4 to 80 months. Fifteen grafts were harvested from anterior iliac crest, 23 from posterior iliac crest, 9 grafts were a combination of either with costochondral graft, and 3 were solely allografts. Bone morphogenetic protein was utilized in 41 cases as an adjunct.

RESULTS

Success was defined as continuity of bone clinically and radiographically at a 4-month follow-up. Nonvascularized bone grafting was successful in 90% of cases. Complications were observed in 34% of cases, of which the most common were infection followed by wound dehiscence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated substantial success rate with nonvascularized bone grafts in reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects.

Tenants of Mandibular Reconstruction in Segmental Defects

The premises of mandibular reconstruction are the restoration of occlusion and mandibular contour for the purpose of preserving the facial identity, oral airway, and effective speech and mastication. Establishing functional occlusion is the primary tenant in all mandibular reconstruction. In cases of segmental defects, particularly in dentate regions of the mandible, there has been a paradigm shift over the past two decades in how surgeons are approaching the restoration of load-bearing mandibular continuity with capacity for dental implantation. Here we discuss considerations for deciding the most effective method of reconstruction in segmental defects.

Current global research on mandibular defect: A bibliometric analysis from 2001 to 2021

Background: Mandibular defects can result from congenital deformities, trauma, tumor resection, and osteomyelitis. The shape was irregular because the lower jaw was radians. This involves teeth and jaw functions; therefore, the difficulty of bone repair is greater than that in other body parts. Several standard treatments are available, but they result in various problems, such as difficulties in skin flap transplantation and possible zone dysfunction, artificial material boneless combining ability, and a long treatment period. This study aimed to introduce the present status of research on mandibular defects to analyze the current introduction and predict future research trends through a bibliometric study. Methods: From 2001 to 2021, publications on mandibular defects were collected for bibliometric visualization using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Scimago Graphica software based on the Web of Science Core Collection. Results: This study analyzed 4,377 articles, including 1,080 published in the United States, 563 in China, and 359 in Germany, with an increase in the number of articles published over the past 20 years. Wikesjoe and Ulf Mai E had the most publications (p = 36) and citations (citations = 1,553). Shanghai Jiaotong University published the highest number of papers among the research institutions (p = 88). The most productive journal was Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and the cited literature was primarily classified as dentistry, dermatology, and surgery. Cluster Analysis of Co-occurrence Keywords revealed that highest number of core words were mandibular defects, mandibular reconstruction, and bone regeneration. The highest cited words were head and neck cancer, accuracy, and osteogenic differentiation. High-frequency terms of Cluster Analysis of References were osteosynthesis plate, tissue engineering, and rapid distraction rate. Conclusion: Over the past 20 years, the number of studies on mandibular defects has gradually increased. New surgical procedures are increasingly being used in clinical practice. Current frontier topics mainly focus on areas such as computer-aided design, 3D printing of osteotomy and reconstruction guide plates, virtual surgical planning, and bone tissue engineering.