Rafael Seabra Louro

This clinical report presents a technique to reconstruct extensively resected mandibles using a combination of autologous bone grafts and additive manufacturing techniques. Mandibular defects, often arising from trauma, tumors, or congenital anomalies, can severely impact both function and aesthetics. Conventional reconstruction methods have their limitations, often resulting in suboptimal outcomes. In these reports, we detail clinical cases where patients with different mandibular defects underwent reconstructive surgery. In each instance, autologous grafts were harvested to ensure the restoration of native bone tissue, while advanced virtual planning techniques were employed for precise graft design and dental implant placement. The patients experienced substantial improvements in masticatory function, speech, and facial aesthetics. Utilizing autologous grafts minimized the risk of rejection and complications associated with foreign materials. The integration of virtual planning precision allowed customized solutions, reducing surgical duration and optimizing implant positioning. These 2 cases underscores the potential of combining autologous grafts with virtual planning precision and dental implants produced by additive manufacturing for mandible reconstruction.

Autogenous bone grafts are the gold standard for reconstruction of atrophic jaws, pseudoarthroses, alveolar clefts, orthognathic surgery, mandibular discontinuity, and augmentation of sinus maxillary. Bone graft can be harvested from iliac bone, calvarium, tibial bone, rib, and intraoral bone. Proximal tibia is a common donor site with few reported problems compared with other sites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of proximal tibia as a donor area for maxillofacial reconstructions, focusing on quantifying the volume of cancellous graft harvested by a lateral approach and to assess the complications of this technique. In a retrospective study, we collected data from 31 patients, 18 women and 13 men (mean age: 36 years, range: 19–64), who were referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Servidores do Estado Federal Hospital. Patients were treated for sequelae of orthognathic surgery, jaw fracture, nonunion, malunion, pathology, and augmentation of bone volume to oral implant. The technique of choice was lateral access of proximal tibia metaphysis for graft removal from Gerdy tubercle under general anesthesia. The mean volume of bone harvested was 13.0 ± 3.7 mL (ranged: 8–23 mL). Only five patients (16%) had minor complications, which included superficial infection, pain, suture dehiscence, and unwanted scar. However, none of these complications decreases the result and resolved completely. We conclude that proximal tibia metaphysis for harvesting cancellous bone graft provides sufficient volume for procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery with minimal postoperative morbidity.