The 3D tongue depressor guide: a low-cost alternative to 3D printing in fibula-based mandibular reconstruction.

Background: Conventional techniques for fibular osteotomy planning are intrinsically erroneous. 3D-printed osteotomy guides are time-consuming, require expensive software, and cannot accommodate changes in surgical plan. This study evaluated the form, function, and esthetics of patients who underwent fibular reconstruction using a novel technique for osteotomy planning. Methods: Patients who required multi-segment fibular reconstruction of the mandible were enrolled. The unique 3D osteotomy guide was fabricated intraoperatively using wooden tongue depressors. Functional outcomes like the interincisal distance, occlusion, jaw deviation, and oral competence were measured at preoperative (T1), 1 month (T2), and 6 months post-op (T3). Esthetic outcomes assessed were facial symmetry and mandibular projection. The reconstructive accuracy was gauged by CT measurements of bigonial width, mandibular arch angle, and ramus length. Results: Thirty of the 61 patients met the inclusion criteria. The interincisal distance significantly improved from T1 to T2 and T3 (p < 0.001). The occlusion remained unchanged and oral competence was restored by T3. No discernible facial asymmetry or changes in mandibular projection were noted at T2 and T3. Bigonial width did not vary significantly (p = 0.573) from T1 to T2. The mandibular arch angles on the left (p = 0.573) and the right sides (p = 0.77) also did not differ significantly. Twelve patients underwent vertical ramus reconstruction, and no significant difference was noted between the normal and reconstructed sides at T1 and T2 (p = 0.339). Conclusions: This technique is simple, cost-effective, accurate, and requires no technical expertise. It minimizes the preoperative waiting period and allows flexibility in the ablative plan. Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]