Clinical application and accuracy analysis of 3D printing guide plate based on polylactic acid in mandible reconstruction with fibula flap

Background Due to the special anatomy morphology and physiological function of the mandible, it has always become a challenge to accurately reconstruct the mandibular defect in maxillofacial surgery. Digital three dimensions (3D) printing surgical guide, as the effective method for individual and accurate surgery, is a hotspot of clinical research at present. In this study, 3D printing PLA surgical guide plate was applied to reconstruct the mandibular defect with fibula flap, its clinical effect and accuracy were evaluated, which aimed to improve the accurate reconstruction of mandibular defects. Methods After sterilization, the dimension deformation of the PLA standard specimen were measured. Eighteen patients diagnose with mandibular tumor were collected as observation objects. Then partial mandible resection and simultaneous mandible reconstruction with fibula graft were implemented according to the computer-aided design plan. The clinical effects of 3D printing PLA guide plates application were evaluated by facial contours, occlusal stability and chewing function. Through registering the postoperative computed images reconstruction with preoperative designed shape, the reconstruction accuracy was evaluated by detecting the maximum difference including the distance between lateral convex point of the condyles, the distance between medial convex point of the condyles and the horizontal contained angle between long axis of the condyles. Results After high temperature steam sterilization, the curvature of the PLA specimen with 100% filling rate and 4.8 mm thickness were the smallest and their dimension deformation had no statistical significance (P>0.05). The minimally deformed 3D printing PLA guide plate were smoothly placed in the right place during the operation. After surgery, the face was symmetrical, the occlusal relationship was restored well and no deviation of the mandibular movement were found. The spiral computed tomography (SCT) scanning showed that the distance between lateral/medial convex points of the condyle and the horizontal contained angle were 128.34±8.68 mm, 88.69±6.75 mm and 145.87°±12.01°. Compared with preoperative design, the maximum deviation of the actual postoperative registration was 1.67±0.63, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions The application of 3D printing PLA guide plate in the segmental section and reconstruction of the mandible can effectively simplify the operation, and better reconstruct the continuity of the mandible. The surgical accuracy can fully meet clinical needs with relatively low prices.