ASSESSMENT OF STEREOLITHOGRAPHIC MODELING TECHNOLOGY VERSUS CONVENTIONAL RECONSTRUCTIVE PLATE IN PATIENTS WITH MANDIBULAR DISCONTINUITY DEFECTS

Introduction : One of the goals of mandibular reconstruction after tumor resection is to return to premorbid form and function. Both stereolithography (SLG) and a conventional reconstructive (CR) plates with bone replacement are a valuable for reconstruction following resection of tumors.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of (SLG) modeling technology versus (CR) plate in cases of tumor resection.
Materials and Methods: Patients eligible for inclusion in this study had unilateral mandibular discontinuity defects. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Each group comprised 10 patients. In group I (study group), (SLG) modeling technology plates were used, while group II (control group) used (CR) plates. The lesions were resected, and their sites were reconstructed using last mentioned plates, with autogenous bone graft in a second stage. The need for intraoperative plate readjustment, plate placement time and operation time were reviewed.
Results: Twenty patients were enrolled in this study. In group I, plates were placed without intraoperative handling. All plates in group II required readjustment. Average operating times were 3.200 ± 0.258 hours in group I and 4.325 ±0.290 hours in group II (P = .000). Mean times for plate placement were 22.900 ± 2.234 minutes and 32.900 ± 2.234 in groups I and II, respectively. The difference resulted in an average time gain of 10 minutes.
Conclusion: (SLG) modeling technology is superior in reflecting the bone anatomy than (CR) plate, thus the plate prebending using SLG, eliminating intraoperative plate readjustment and providing better plate adaptation with better contour. It decreases operating time.