Utilization of a pre-bent plate-positioning surgical guide system in precise mandibular reconstruction with a free fibula flap

Extensive repair of mandibular defects is challenging. Reconstructive options have included the use of microvascular free flaps, non-vascularized bone grafts, and alloplastic implants, including titanium reconstruction plates. In 1989, Hidalgo [1] reported the usefulness of free vascularized fibula flaps for mandibular reconstruction. This flap has many advantages, including a long pedicle, wide vessel diameter, sufficient bone components, and the ability to incorporate the skin paddle [2,3]. Since then, the fibula has been commonly chosen as the donor site for mandibular reconstruction.

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