Mandibular Reconstruction Guide for Fibular Graft Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mandibular reconstruction systems are complicated, involve long recovery times, and often require delayed dental reconstruction, with existing devices not being patient-specific and causing soft tissue irritation.
Innovation Solution
A patient-specific cutting and alignment guide system is used to precisely cut and shape fibular bone grafts, allowing for concurrent dental implant installation, utilizing a triangular plate between grafts to reduce irritation and improve structural rigidity, with simplified methods for fixation to the native mandible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mandibular reconstruction systems are used, then the reconstruction can be performed, but the procedure is complicated and involves long recovery times
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting guide is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be independently positioned and fixed to different bone graft sections. Each section has its own fixation mechanism, allowing for modular assembly and simplified positioning of individual bone segments during reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting guide is pre-configured with hinge mechanisms and fixation mechanisms before surgery. The hinge mechanism is pre-assembled to establish predetermined angular relationships between bone graft sections, and fixation mechanisms are pre-positioned to secure the guide to the bone grafts during the procedure.
2Reliability
If conventional plates are used for fixation, then the bone grafts can be secured, but soft tissue irritation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The triangular plate is positioned and secured within the bone graft structure itself, nested between the bone graft sections rather than protruding outward. This internal placement of the fixation plate eliminates contact with external soft tissues while maintaining secure fixation of the bone grafts to the mandible.
3Loss of time
If conventional reconstruction methods are used, then the mandible can be reconstructed, but dental reconstruction must be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting guide system integrates multiple functions into a single device: it guides osteotomy cuts, establishes angular relationships between bone graft sections, provides fixation points for the bone grafts, and creates predetermined positions for dental implant placement. This consolidation allows dental implant positioning to be performed during the same surgery as the mandibular reconstruction.
4Manufacturing precision
If patient-specific cutting guides are used, then cutting precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting guide is designed as a multi-functional device that performs several operations simultaneously: it guides osteotomy cuts with precise angular relationships, positions bone graft sections relative to each other, provides fixation points for securing the guide to bone grafts, and establishes predetermined positions for dental implant placement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate guiding devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary cutting and alignment guide assemblies for use in microsurgical, plastic surgical, otolaryngological, maxillofacial, orthopedic, dental, or other surgical procedures include a first section configured to engage a first bone graft section, a second section configured to engage a second bone graft section, a first fixation mechanism configured to couple the first section with the first bone graft section, and a second fixation mechanism configured to couple the second section with the second bone graft section. The first section and the second section can be coupled via a hinge mechanism. Neo-mandible assemblies for implantation at a native mandibular defect of a patient can include a cutting and alignment guide coupled with one or more bone graft sections. In some cases, bone graft sections include bone segments from a fibula of the patient.