This study is a preliminary investigation exploring the mechanical properties of three-dimensional (3D)-printed personalized mesh titanium alloy prostheses and the feasibility of repairing hemi-mandibular defects. The ANSYS 14.0 software and selective laser melting (SLM) were used to produce personalized mesh titanium alloy scaffolds. Scaffolds printed using different parameters underwent fatigue property tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture points. Models of hemi-mandibular defects (encompassing the temporomandibular joint) were created using beagle dogs. Freeze-dried allogeneic mandibles or 3D-printed personalized mesh titanium alloy prostheses were used for repair. Gross observation, computed tomography (CT), SEM, and histological examinations were used to compare the two repair methods. The prostheses with filament diameters of 0.5 and 0.7 mm could withstand 14,000 times and >600,000 cycles of alternating stresses, respectively. The truss-structure scaffold with a large aperture and large aperture ratio could withstand roughly 250,000 cycles of alternating forces. The allogeneic mandible graft required intraoperative shaping, while the 3D-printed mesh titanium alloy prostheses were personalized and did not require intraoperative shaping. The articular disc on the non-operated sides experienced degenerative changes. No liver and kidney toxicity was observed in the two groups of animals. The 3D-printed mesh titanium alloy prostheses could effectively restore the shape of the mandibular defect region and reconstruct the temporomandibular joint.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and implement a comprehensive algorithm for the rehabilitation of patients after partial resection of the mandible using a titanium «growing» endoprosthesis.
METHODS: The study included 16 patients aged 2 to 7 years, with benign (6 cases) and malignant (10 cases) tumors of the mandible. The patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the time of fixation of the endoprosthesis. Group 1 included patients with simultaneous installation of a prosthesis (7 people). Group 2 included patients with delayed installation of an endoprosthesis (9 people). For the reconstruction of the mandible, «growing» titanium endoprostheses made of Ti6Al4V alloy of various designs were used. Removable orthodontic devices of mechanical and functional type of action, standard elastic mouthguards were used in the process of dental treatment.
RESULTS: A comprehensive algorithm has been developed for the rehabilitation of children after partial resection of the mandible, depending on the time of fixation of the prosthesis and the volume of surgical intervention.
CONCLUSIONS: The developed algorithm of complex rehabilitation using a «growing» endoprosthesis and dental support at the pre and postoperative stages allows to reduce the volume of secondary deformation of facial structures and dentition.
UNASSIGNED: Разработать и внедрить комплексный алгоритм реабилитации пациентов после частичной резекции нижней челюсти с применением титанового «растущего» эндопротеза.
UNASSIGNED: В исследование вошли 16 пациентов в возрасте от 2 до 7 лет с доброкачественными (6 случаев) и злокачественными (10 случаев) новообразованиями нижней челюсти. Пациенты были поделены на 2 группы в зависимости от времени фиксации эндопротеза. Первую группу составили пациенты с одномоментной установкой протеза (7 человек); вторую — пациенты с отсроченной установкой эндопротеза (9 человек). Для реконструкции нижней челюсти использовали «растущие» титановые эндопротезы из сплава Ti6Al4V различной конструкции. В процессе стоматологического лечения применяли съемные ортодонтические аппараты механического и функционального типа действия, стандартные эластические каппы.
UNASSIGNED: «Растущий» эндопротез нижней челюсти позволяет увеличивать собственный размер в горизонтальной и вертикальной плоскости без его замены, что уменьшает объем этапных хирургических вмешательств. Разработан алгоритм реабилитации детей после частичной резекции нижней челюсти в зависимости от объема хирургического вмешательства и времени фиксации протеза.
UNASSIGNED: Разработанный алгоритм комплексной реабилитации с использованием «растущего» эндопротеза и стоматологического сопровождения на до- и постоперационных этапах позволяет уменьшить объем вторичной деформации лицевых структур и зубных рядов.

UNASSIGNED: The free fibular flap has been elevated by a \"lateral approach\" from the posterior edge of the peroneal muscle for more than 40 years. However, in this approach, the surgical view is limited because flap elevation in mandibular reconstruction is performed simultaneously with tumor resection in the supine position, even when using positioning pillows. We herein propose an \"anterior approach\" as a new surgical method. We retrospectively investigated free fibular flap surgeries performed using the anterior approach, which consists of three anterior approaches, over a seven-year period. First, to avoid the course of the superficial peroneal nerve, the crural fascia was incised 1-2 cm posterior to the anterior edge of the peroneal muscle. The anterior edge of the peroneus muscle is detached from the anterior intermuscular septum. After performing osteotomies distal and proximal to the fibula, the interosseous membrane was incised from the anterior view. Pulling out the fibula to the anterior space between the anterior intermuscular septum and the peroneal muscle made the surgical field shallow. No postoperative superficial or deep peroneal nerve palsies were found in the 55 patients. Only one tourniquet was used in 31 of the 55 cases (56.4%), with an average of 95 min. Twenty-four patients (43.6%) required a second tourniquet 38 min after an interval. Only one tourniquet was used in 25 of the 30 (83.3%) cases in the last 3 years. Moreover, double flaps were used in 21 cases (38.2%), all of which involved ipsilateral ALT flaps. In 18 cases, double-flap elevation and prefabrication were successfully finished before the completion of tumor resection by otorhinolaryngologists.

BACKGROUND: The Jaw-in-a-Day (JIAD) procedure aims to achieve immediate functional occlusion via a single-stage approach to maxillofacial reconstruction. While JIAD has gained popularity since its inception by Levine and colleagues, efficacy and outcome data remain limited. In this report, we discuss our experience with the JIAD technique at an Australian tertiary referral centre.
METHODS: A retrospective review of all JIAD procedures performed from April 2022 to December 2023 was conducted. Clinicopathologic data reviewed included demographic information, primary diagnosis, anatomical site of disease, and history of pre-operative radiotherapy. Outcome measures of interest included operative time, number of implants placed, post-operative complications and implant survival.
RESULTS: Nineteen patients were identified for the study. Two maxillary and 17 mandibular JIAD procedures were performed. The most common indications were squamous cell carcinoma (n = 8) and ameloblastoma (n = 5). Surgical complications included recipient site wound infection (n = 3), flap dehiscence (n = 2), haematoma formation (n = 1), and neck abscess associated with partial flap failure (n = 1). No total flap failures were identified. Of the 55 total implants placed, one implant failure occurred 2-months post-operatively. No loss of irradiated implants (n = 21) was observed. The median time to adjuvant radiotherapy was 57 days (range, 32-61). Eighteen of 19 patients (95%) achieved immediate dental rehabilitation, and 15/19 patients (79%) retained a functional prosthesis by the end of the follow-up period.
CONCLUSIONS: Our series supports the feasibility of single-stage reconstruction for both benign and malignant indications. Further research is required to understand the long-term functional, aesthetic, and health-related quality-of-life outcomes with the JIAD technique.

BACKGROUND: Tumorous diseases of the jaw demand effective treatments, often involving continuity resection of the jaw. Reconstruction via microvascular bone flaps, like deep circumflex iliac artery flaps (DCIA), is standard. Computer aided planning (CAD) enhances accuracy in reconstruction using patient-specific CT images to create three-dimensional (3D) models. Data on the accuracy of CAD-planned DCIA flaps is scarce. Moreover, the data on accuracy should be combined with data on the exact positioning of the implants for well-fitting dental prosthetics. This study focuses on CAD-planned DCIA flaps accuracy and proper positioning for prosthetic rehabilitation.
METHODS: Patients post-mandible resection with CAD-planned DCIA flap reconstruction were evaluated. Postoperative radiograph-derived 3D models were aligned with 3D models from the CAD plans for osteotomy position, angle, and flap volume comparison. To evaluate the DCIA flap\'s suitability for prosthetic dental rehabilitation, a plane was created in the support zone and crestal in the middle of the DCIA flap. The lower jaw was rotated to close the mouth and the distance between the two planes was measured.
RESULTS: 20 patients (12 males, 8 females) were included. Mean defect size was 73.28 ± 4.87 mm; 11 L defects, 9 LC defects. Planned vs. actual DCIA transplant volume difference was 3.814 ± 3.856 cm³ (p = 0.2223). The deviation from the planned angle was significantly larger at the dorsal osteotomy than at the ventral (p = 0.035). Linear differences between the planned DCIA transplant and the actual DCIA transplant were 1.294 ± 1.197 mm for the ventral osteotomy and 2.680 ± 3.449 mm for the dorsal (p = 0.1078). The difference between the dental axis and the middle of the DCIA transplant ranged from 0.2 mm to 14.8 mm. The mean lateral difference was 2.695 ± 3.667 mm in the region of the first premolar.
CONCLUSIONS: The CAD-planned DCIA flap is a solution for reconstructing the mandible. CAD planning results in an accurate reconstruction enabling dental implant placement and dental prosthetics.

BACKGROUND: Segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction of resulting defect can be performed via intraoral approach (IOA) or extraoral approach (EOA). Both approaches have advantages, disadvantages, indications, and contraindications to consider during their selection.
OBJECTIVE: To compare IOA vs EOA of segmental mandibulectomy and microvascular reconstruction with fibula free flap (FFF).
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in which 51 patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy and microvascular reconstruction with FFF from 2020 to 2024 were included, especially 17 patients by IOA and 34 patients by EOA, representing both groups of this study. Clinical characteristics, surgery parameters, and patients\' prognosis were evaluated. Patients\' satisfaction and Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS59) were assessed during follow-up.
RESULTS: Ameloblastoma was the most frequent diagnosis (52.9% managed by IOA vs 70.6% by EOA); FFF was frequently positioned as double barrel (94.1% managed by IOA vs 88.2% by EOA). Compared with EOA group, IOA group had less intraoperative blood loss (mean difference [MD] = -112.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -178.9 to -45.5, p = 0.001), higher satisfaction score (MD = 1.3, 95% CI: 0.9 to 1.7, p ˂ 0.001), and lower DAS59 score (MD = -0.5, 95% CI: -0.7 to -0.2, p ˂ 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Both IOA and EOA were found safe and feasible, presenting similar perioperative features and postoperative outcomes. Patients managed with IOA were more satisfied with aesthetic outcomes than patients managed with EOA. In the absence of simultaneous immediate implant during mandibular FFF reconstruction, after stability of FFF on the defect site, patients should always be referred to an implantologist and/or prosthodontist for teeth restoration to improve functional and aesthetic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Bone defects around the teeth affect a large portion of the population. Bone regeneration in the area of existing teeth is completely different from that in an edentulous area. To date, no method has been developed for three-dimensional (3D) bone reconstruction in regions with preserved teeth.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to radiologically evaluate the results of the new method of 3D mandibular bone reconstruction in preserved dentition using a custom-made allogeneic bone block with a 6-month follow-up.
METHODS: Alveolar ridge dimensions were radiographically assessed before and 6 months after reconstruction using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans in 32 patients (192 teeth). Reconstruction used a bone block that had been previously planned and prepared using CAD/CAM technology.
RESULTS: The observed changes in alveolar bone dimensions were highly significant in most cases (p < 0.001). The closer to the tooth root apex, the lower the bone growth in the sagittal dimension (average of the mean values for each tooth examined in the measured heights): CEJ2: 2.9 mm, ½ CEJ2: 2.7 mm, ¼ CEJ2: 1.9 mm, and API: 1.4 mm. The maximum bone growth in the vertical dimension was observed on tooth 43 (9.9 mm), followed by 32 (9.8 mm), 33 (8.5 mm), 31 (8.4 mm), 42 (8 mm), and 41 (7 mm). The degree of decrease in vestibular dehiscence of the bone was greater the closer the tooth was to the midline (average of -3.8 mm and -3.4 mm for the central incisors; average of -2.8 mm and -2.6 mm for the lateral incisors; average of -2.6 mm and -2.5 mm for the canines).
CONCLUSIONS: The results prove that it is possible to prevent bone dehiscence in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, increasing the ability and effectiveness of covering recessions and improving the morphology of the lower part of the face.

Mandibular continuity defects can result in varying degrees of cosmetic disfigurement. Restoration of form and function may require surgical reconstruction of the affected area. While surgical reconstruction may improve the overall prognostic outcomes for the patient, the definitive prosthetic phase can commence only after a substantial time lag for adequate hard/soft tissue healing. This interim phase often challenges the patient\'s masticatory ability. The traditional reconstruction of hemimandibulectomy defects has its own limitations. This case report describes the fabrication of a 3D-printed bite splint for a patient with limited mouth opening and significant malocclusion due to surgical over-correction. The prosthesis given served as an appliance to improve the masticatory ability of the patient.

UNASSIGNED: To evaluate the surgical and postoperative management strategies that contribute to minimizing the need for prophylactic tracheostomy for airway management in advanced oral cancer surgery.
UNASSIGNED: A retrospective review of the patients who underwent surgery for advanced oral cancer, in our institution from February 2015 to January 2024.
UNASSIGNED: In the present review, 66 patients (males, n = 54; females, n = 12; mean age 50.3 years) who were operated for advanced oral cancer (T3, T4 oral squamous cell carcinoma and osteosarcoma of the mandible requiring mandibular resection) in our institution were included. 60 patients (90.9%) had reconstruction after segmental resection of the mandible without the need for prophylactic tracheostomy. Out of these, eighteen patients (27.27%) required segmental resection of the mandible crossing midline. Six patients (9.1%) underwent prophylactic tracheostomy, of which two patients had unilateral tumor and four patients had tumor crossing midline. Comparison of hospital stays between patients who underwent prophylactic tracheostomy and those who did not yielded mean durations of 13.3 days and 7.6 days, respectively.
UNASSIGNED: Except a subset of patients with old age, obesity, bulky neck, and those with respiratory compromise, following the present guidelines, prophylactic tracheostomy can be avoided in patients undergoing surgery for advanced oral cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dimensional changes in free gingival grafts (FGG) at implant sites in mandibular reconstruction patients.
METHODS: Patients who received FGG 4 months after implant placement in the reconstructed mandible with no keratinized mucosa (KM) present were invited for re-examination after 36.7 ± 16.8 months (3.06 ± 1.4 years). Immediately after graft extraction (T0), graft width (GW), graft length (GL), graft thickness (GT), graft dimension (GD), and vertical bone height were documented. Re-examination (T1) included clinical examinations (GW, GL, GD, peri-implant probing depths, and modified Sulcus Bleeding Index), radiographic examination (marginal bone level), and medical chart review.
RESULTS: Twenty patients and 62 implants (47 in fibula flaps and 15 in iliac flaps) were included. A significant decrease in GW (51.8%), GL (19.2%), and GD (60.2%), were found between T0 and T1 (p < .001). The univariate analysis showed that GW change was not significantly associated with reconstruction technique, baseline GL, baseline GT, baseline GD, implant location, or type of prosthesis. Implant survival rate of 100% was observed at follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the study, free gingival grafts at implant sites in the reconstructed mandible undergo dimensional change that result in a reduction of approximately 60% of the original graft dimension. Graft width decreased over 50%.
CONCLUSIONS: FGG is the standard of care intervention for increasing the amount of KM around implants. This study was the first to evaluate the dimensional change in FGG at implant sites in mandibular reconstruction patients after a medium-term follow-up.
BACKGROUND: Clinical trial registration is not applicable as this study comprehends a retrospective analysis.