Screw hole-positioning guide and plate-positioning guide: A novel method to assist mandibular reconstruction

Reconstruction plates have been used to bridge discontinuity defects after resection of mandibular tumors for many years. However, shaping and adapting the titanium plate during surgery is time consuming and technique sensitive especially for a large defect or a disease-deformed mandible. In this case report, a method is introduced to assist surgeons in pre-shaping a reconstruction plate before surgery, and with the aid of a position guide and drilling guide, the pre-surgically adapted reconstruction plates can be positioned at the planned position during surgery. This method improves surgical outcomes and decreases operating time. Copyright (c) 2012, Association for Dental Sciences of the Republic of China. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All rights reserved