Feasibility of the application of mixed reality in mandible reconstruction with fibula flap: A cadaveric specimen study

Background: In recent years, a new technology, mixed reality (MR), has emerged and surpassed the limitations of augmented reality (AR) with its inability to interact with hologram. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of the application of MR in mandible reconstruction with fibula flap. Methods: Computed tomography (CT) examination was performed for one cadaveric mandible and ten fibula bones. Using professional software Proplan CMF 3.0 (Materialize, Leuven, Belgium), we created a defected mandibular model and simulated the reconstruction design with these 10 fibula bones. The surgical plans were transferred to the HoloLens. We used HoloLens to guide the osteotomy and shaping of the fibular bone. After fixing the fibular segments using the Ti template, all segments underwent a CT examination. Before and after objects were compared for measurements of the location of fibular osteotomies, angular deviation of fibular segments, and intergonial angle distances. Results: The mean location of the fibular osteotomies, angular deviation of the fibular segments, and intergonial angle distances were 2.11 +/- 1.31 mm, 2.85 degrees +/- 1.97 degrees, and 7.24 +/- 3.42 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The experimental results revealed that slight deviations remained in the accuracy of fibular osteotomy. With the further development of technology, it has the potential to improve the efficiency and precision of the reconstructive surgery. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Automated summary

The study aimed to explore the feasibility of using mixed reality technology in mandible reconstruction with fibula flap. Results showed slight deviations in the accuracy of fibular osteotomy, indicating the potential for further development to improve efficiency and precision in reconstructive surgery.