title: Three-dimensional sodium chloride (NaCl) model for simulated mandibular reconstruction surgery: a new environmentally friendly material.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mandibular reconstruction using a fibular graft is a difficult procedure that requires technical expertise to enable adequate occlusal function and restore an aesthetic appearance. Here we used three-dimensional (3D) sodium chloride (NaCl) models for simulated mandibular reconstruction surgery. This study aimed to reveal the accuracy of mandibular reconstruction with fibular grafts using this model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mandibular reconstructions using 3D NaCl models were performed in 5 cases. The maxilla, mandible, and fibular models were developed using computed tomography (CT) data. We performed preoperative cutting and simulation surgery using this model. Angles between the body of the corpus and symphysis were measured from the axial view (n = 4). Angles between the ramus and the body of the corpus were measured from the lateral and axial views (n = 6). These angles were measured on simulated models and postoperative CT images were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Differences between the angles measured on the simulated models and postoperative CT images were 0-5° (mean, 1.9°).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We were able to reproduce the neomandibles with precise osteotomies using the 3D NaCl models. We believe that simulated mandibular reconstruction surgery using this model might help reduce the number of intraoperative neomandibular segment adjustments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute of Health Biosciences, the University of Tokushima Graduate School.
authors.forename: Yoshiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Abe
authors.forename: Ichiro
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hashimoto
authors.forename: Shinji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matsuo
authors.forename: Keiichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Goishi
authors.forename: Keisuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kashiwagi
authors.forename: Hirokazu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nagai
authors.forename: Youji
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Miyamoto
authors.forename: Hideki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nakanishi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D063175:Mandibular Reconstruction; D008875:Middle Aged; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D012965:Sodium Chloride