The Implant-borne Articulation Splint in Fibula Free Flap Mandibular Reconstruction: A Technical Note.

Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing and digitally simulated surgeries have revolutionized maxillomandibular reconstruction. In particular, this technology has increased the accuracy and facilitated the process of dental implantation in fibula free flaps. Despite the efficacy of virtual planning, there is a minor degree of translational difference between digital and intraoperative measurements, which may affect the precision of implant and fibula orientations. This is especially concerning during the last stage of fibula insetting, where the graft segments have the potential to roll, yaw, or pitch. The objective of this study is to describe an advanced prosthodontic technique that ensures the fibula grafts and implants remain in a restorable position during final insetting. We describe the technique and workflow of the implant-borne articulation splint through a case presentation and demonstrate results at 4 months postoperative and postradiotherapy. Given the degree of investment placed in virtual planning, free flap reconstruction, and endosteal implants, a technique that ensures optimal restorability of each implant is pivotal. Larger studies are still required to fully elucidate the cost-effectiveness and long-term results of the implant-borne articulation splint.

Experience With "Jaw in a Day" Technique.

The "Jaw in a Day" (JIAD) technique, first described by Levine and colleagues, establishes immediate functional occlusion through a single-stage maxillomandibular reconstruction with concurrent implant placement and provisional prosthesis delivery. In this study, the authors describe 2 cases exemplifying the reconstructive principles of JIAD. One patient underwent mandibular reconstruction with the JIAD technique and another patient underwent JIAD with an optimized rapid sequence computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) for composite maxillomandibular reconstruction. Immediate implant-borne prosthesis was fixated and all implants osseointegrated into the neomandible. Although the authors' patient outcomes are consistent with the literature, the published reports of JIAD remain limited, and further studies are required to assess the long-term functional and aesthetic outcomes as well as cost-effectiveness of this approach.