Importance of patient-specific intraoperative guides in complex maxillofacial reconstruction

Abstract Background Conventional maxillofacial reconstruction often leads to suboptimal results due to inaccurate planning or surgical difficulties in adjusting a free flap and osteosynthesis plates into a three-dimensional defect. Objectives To justify the importance of patient-specific intraoperative guides in complex maxillofacial reconstruction. Clinical example A 40-year old patient underwent a left hemimaxillectomy for an adenoid cystic carcinoma of the palate. Six years later, massive recurrence required radical resection of the left orbit and reconstruction with cranial bone grafts and a free latissimus dorsi flap. Postoperative radiotherapy resulted in local osteoradionecrosis. Surgical revision and restoration of the maxillary defect with a prefabricated fibula flap was performed. The authors provide ample information on the application of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) and rapid prototyping at each reconstructive step. Discussion Stereolithographic models enable simulation of the resective and reconstructive phases, prebending of reconstruction plates and fabrication of surgical guides. Conclusions Optimal restitution of complex maxillofacial defects requires meticulous planning of the surgical and prosthetic phases and effective transfer of the plan to the operating room through patient specific guides. CAD-CAM technology and stereolithographic models represent an effective strategy to achieve this. Improved patient outcomes and intraoperative efficiency certainly offset the inherent increase in costs.