Comparison of two computer-assisted surgery techniques to guide a mandibular distraction osteogenesis procedure. Technical note.

The accuracy of distracted facial bone displacement depends on the preoperative clinical assessment, surgical planning and technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate two different techniques to guide the mandibular distraction surgical procedure using an intraoral device. This study was performed on a fresh cadavre. 3D reconstructions from a computed tomographic (CT) acquisition were used for the two techniques. The first technique comprised a customised stereolithographic template and the second technique used a computer-assisted surgery (CAS) unit to guide the osteotomy and the positioning and screwing of the distractor device. Both methods were planned and compared with the same 3D software. The authors discuss the feasibility and reliability of the two techniques. The accuracy of the two techniques appears to be comparable for clinical applications, although the rapid prototyping template technique appears to be more satisfactory.