Mandibular Reconstruction With Fibula Flap and Dental Implants Through Virtual Surgical Planning and Three Different Techniques: Double-Barrel Flap, Implant Dynamic Navigation and CAD/CAM Mesh With Iliac Crest Graft

IntroductionVertical discrepancy between the fibula flap and the native mandible results in difficult prosthetic rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of 3D reconstruction of the mandible in oncologic patients using three different techniques through virtual surgical planning (VSP), cutting guides, customized titanium mesh and plates with CAD/CAM technology, STL models and intraoperative dynamic navigation for implant placement. Material and methodsMaterial and MethodsThree different techniques for mandibular reconstruction and implant rehabilitation were performed in 14 oncologic patients. Five patients (36%) underwent VSP, cutting guides, STL models and a customized double-barrel titanium plate with a double-barrel flap and immediate implants. In six patients (43%), VSP, STL models and a custom-made titanium mesh (CAD/CAM) for 3D reconstruction with iliac crest graft over a fibula flap with deferred dental implants were performed. Three patients (21%) underwent VSP with cutting guides and customized titanium plates for mandibular reconstruction and implant rehabilitation using intraoperative dynamic navigation was accomplished. Vertical bone reconstruction, peri-implant bone resorption, implant success rate, effects of radiotherapy in vertical reconstruction, bone resorption and implant failure, mastication, aesthetic result and dysphagia were evaluated.ResultsSignificant differences in bone growth between the double-barrel technique and iliac crest graft with titanium mesh technique were found (p<0.002). Regarding bone resorption, there were no significant differences between the techniques (p=0.11). 60 implants were placed with an osseointegration rate of 91.49%. Five implants were lost during the osseointegration period (8%). Peri-implant bone resorption was measured with a mean of 1.27 mm. There was no significant difference between the vertical gain technique used and implant survival (p>0.385). Implant survival rates were higher in non-irradiated patients (p<0.017). All patients were rehabilitated with a fixed implant-supported prosthesis reporting a regular diet (80%), normal swallowing (85.7%) and excellent aesthetic results.ConclusionsMulti-stage implementation of VSP, STL models and cutting guides, CAD/CAM technology, customized plates and in-house dynamic implant navigation for mandibular defects increases bone-to-bone contact, resolves vertical discrepancy and improves operative efficiency with reduced complication rates and minimal bone resorption. It provides accurate reconstruction that optimizes implant placement, thereby improving facial symmetry, aesthetics and function.

Reconstruction of Juxta-Articular Bone Defect in an Infected Fracture Distal Right Femur Using Autologous Fibular Strut and Iliac Crest Graft

Distal femur fractures are about 7 % of all femur fractures.1 Being complex in nature management of these fractures is difficult; management is still a challenge in this technically advanced era. Fibular strut graft is one of the useful and simple options to manage defects in distal femur fractures. High velocity injuries causing open fractures may lead to infection and non-union of fracture if proper debridement and antibiotics are not used as per established protocol. Antibiotics can be given mixed with polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) cement formed in beads at the open fracture site or coated over a nail.2 This causes slow release of antibiotics and helps in control of infection. Local infection, damaged soft tissue, ischemia over fracture site, stabilisation of fracture, the hardware used and patient’s co morbidities all play a role in union and infection control of open fractures. Early detection of infection is important to avoid non-union and related complications. Distal femur juxta-articular fracture may develop infection due to fractures and unstable fixation more commonly. This may result in cavity formation and complications like osteomyelitis often leading to bone destruction and sequestrum formation. Its management becomes a challenging task for an orthopaedic surgeon.3- 9 The reconstructive methods are autogenous cortical bone, cancellous bone, allograft, bone substitutes like synthetic bone blocks and bone granules. Free bone transfer is crucial in reconstructing massive defects in distal femur fracture due to properties of rapid healing and being hypertrophic.7-13 Fibula is the best available option for grafting in massive defects of femur due to its characteristics like mechanical strength, length, minimum morbidity, and resistance to infection.3,11,13 A single fibula strut graft can give up to 26 cm of graft. The case reported here is of a patient of juxta-articular bone defect in an infected previously operated fracture distal femur using autologous fibular strut and iliac crest graft

Non-Vascularized Tri-Cortical Iliac Crest Graft–A Reliable Option in the Management of Scaphoid Waist Non-Unions

Background: Scaphoid non-union often leads to a change in biomechanics of the wrist joint. Various types of bone grafts and different sites of harvest have been described in the literature for scaphoid reconstruction. This study was conducted to assess the clinical and radiological outcome after non-vascularised tri-cortical iliac crest bone graft for non-union of scaphoid waist fractures. Methods: 12 adult patients who underwent reconstruction of scaphoid waist non-union with tricortical iliac crest grafting and internal fixation with headless compression screws (11 cases) and k-wires (1 case) were prospectively analysed. There were 11 males and 1 female (mean age 23.9 years). The mean duration of presentation was 5.7 months following injury. Outcome following surgery were analyzed clinically by range of movements (ROM) and functional scores like DASH and modified Mayo wrist score and radiologically by X-rays and Non contrast CT of the wrist. Radiological assessment included scaphoid length, radio-lunate (RL) angle and scapho-lunate (SL) angle at latest 6 months follow up. Results: Bony union was achieved in 10 cases (union rate 83%). All the cases which achieved union had a significant improvement in radiological and clinical outcome criterias at 6-month follow-up interval. 1 patient had persistent non-union and 1 had k-wire back out with fixation failure. Conclusions: It is important to restore scaphoid length and to correct flexion deformity for a successful outcome. This can reliably be acheived by a carefully planned wedge-shaped iliac crest graft along with secure fixation with a headless compression screw.

Repair of symptomatic bilateral L5 spondylolysis with autogenous iliac crest graft and temporary intersegmental pedicle screw fixation in youth

Background When symptomatic spondylolysis fail to respond to nonoperative treatment, surgical management may be required. A number of techniques have been described for repair by intrasegmental fixation with good results; however, there are still some problems. We reported a repair technique with temporary intersegmental pedicle screw fixation and autogenous iliac crest graft. The aim of present study is to assess the clinical outcomes of L5 symptomatic spondylolysis with this technique. Methods A retrospective analysis of 128 patients with L5 spondylolysis treated with this method was performed. According to CT scan, the spondylolysis were classified into 3 categories: line, intermediate, and sclerosis type. The diagnostic block test of L5 bilateral pars defect was done in all patients preoperatively. The sagittal and axial CT images were used to determine the bone union. The healing time, complications, number of spina bifida occulta, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, and VAS for back pain were recorded. After fixation removal, the rate of ROM preservation at L5S1 was calculated. Results There were 97 patients (194 pars) followed with mean follow-up of 23 months (range, 12–36 months). The union rate of pars was 82.0% at 12 months and 94.3% at 24 months postoperatively. Low back pain VAS significantly (P < 0.05) improved from preoperative mean value of 7.2 to 1.3 at the final follow-up postoperatively (P < 0.05). JOA score increased significantly postoperatively (P < 0.05) with average improvement rate of 79.3%. The rates of L5S1 ROM preservation were 79.8% and 64.0% after fixation removal at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. There were 3 patients of delayed incision healing without other complications. Conclusions Although sacrificing L5S1 segment motion temporarily, more stability was obtained with intersegmental fixation. This technique is reliable for spondylolysis repair which has satisfactory symptom relief, high healing rate, low incidence of complications, and preserve a large part of ROM for fixed segment.

Case Report: Reconstruction After Anterior Pubic Hemipelvectomy

We report on a case of a large atypical cartilaginous tumor of the pelvis and its novel surgical resection with an anterior hemipelvectomy and reconstruction with an iliac crest graft. Surgical intervention is the mainstay treatment of pelvic chondrosarcomas. However, there have been reports of concern regarding preventing pelvic visceral herniation and adequately reconstructing the pelvis. This report is unique within the literature and has yielded good functional outcomes whilst achieving satisfactory surgical margins and minimizing morbidity.

Virtual Surgical Planning, Stereolitographic Models and CAD/CAM Titanium Mesh for Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Fibula Flap with Iliac Crest Graft and Dental Implants

Mandibular reconstruction with fibula flap shows a 3D discrepancy between the fibula and the remnant mandible. Eight patients underwent three-dimensional reconstruction of the fibula flap with iliac crest graft and dental implants through virtual surgical planning (VSP), stereolitographic models (STL) and CAD/CAM titanium mesh. Vertical ridge augmentation and horizontal dimensions of the fibula, peri-implant bone resorption of the iliac crest graft, implant success rate and functional and aesthetic results were evaluated. Vertical reconstruction ranged from 13.4 mm to 10.1 mm, with an average of 12.22 mm. Iliac crest graft and titanium mesh were able to preserve the width of the fibula, which ranged from 8.9 mm to 11.7 mm, with an average of 10.1 mm. A total of 38 implants were placed in the new mandible, with an average of 4.75 ± 0.4 implants per patient and an osseointegration success rate of 94.7%. Two implants were lost during the osseointegration period (5.3%). Bone resorption was measured as peri-implant bone resorption at the mesial and distal level of each implant, with a variation between 0.5 mm and 2.4 mm, and with a mean of 1.43 mm. All patients were rehabilitated with a fixed implant prosthesis with good aesthetic and functional results.

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of the Medial Cuneiform: A Case Report

The aneurysmal bone cysts, usually found in the tibia, femur, pelvis, or humerus, are expansile pseudotumor lesions of unknown etiology. An aneurysmal bone cyst is rarely seen in the medial cuneiform. In this case report, a 43-year-old man with an aneurysmal bone cyst in the left medial cuneiform is presented. The cyst was curetted, and the defect was filled with an en bloc iliac crest graft. A screw was placed to fix the graft in the proper position. In the 2-year follow-up of the patient, recurrence was not detected radiologically.