Applying computer techniques in repairing mild mandibular asymmetry with high-density porous polyethylene

J Craniofac Surg. 2012 Jan;23(1):44-6. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0b013e318240c83e.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore a new method to repair mild mandibular asymmetry using computer-aided design technique.

Methods: Medical three-dimensional image reconstruction and mirror technique were applied to design individual Medpor implant before operation. A surgical procedure was performed in 9 patients with mild mandibular asymmetry according to the preoperative planning. The Medpor implants in the body were displayed using surface rendering technique after operation, and the postoperative evaluation was performed using matching technique.

Results: All the patients had an ideal clinical outcome, with no complications. Virtual images from preoperative design and postoperative three-dimensional images were registered and superimposed onto each other. The percentage of matching was 87.6% to 96.8% with an average of 93.8%±2.4%.

Conclusions: The computer techniques play an important role in repairing mandibular asymmetry and will be used widely in craniofacial surgery.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biocompatible Materials / therapeutic use*
  • Bone Substitutes / therapeutic use*
  • Computer-Aided Design*
  • Esthetics
  • Facial Asymmetry / diagnostic imaging
  • Facial Asymmetry / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Male
  • Mandible / abnormalities
  • Mandible / surgery
  • Mandibular Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Mandibular Diseases / surgery*
  • Mandibular Injuries / surgery
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Polyethylene / therapeutic use*
  • Polyethylenes / therapeutic use
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Treatment Outcome
  • User-Computer Interface
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Bone Substitutes
  • Medpor
  • Polyethylenes
  • Polyethylene