Reconstruction of mandibular continuity and function after tumor resection is challenging, particularly in cases including the mandibular condyle. Various approaches for reconstruction after disarticulation resection have been reported. However, the scapula flap has received little attention as a treatment option in these cases. Three cases of computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) assisted reconstruction after disarticulation resection using a vascularized scapula and latissimus dorsi flap are reported. All cases required reconstruction of the mandibular ramus and condyle in combination with the reconstruction of large and complex soft tissue defects. The surgical procedure was deemed successful in all cases. The scapula flap could be placed as preoperatively planned and patients regained their preoperative occlusion pattern and satisfying mouth opening-ranges. The large soft tissue defects could reliably be reconstructed using a latissimus dorsi flap. The scapula and latissimus dorsi flap can be considered a suitable option for the reconstruction of mandibular disarticulation resection defects in combination with large soft tissue defects.

Purpose: The current standard in reconstructing defects of the orbital floor, by using the concept of mirroring, is time‐consuming and ignores the natural asymmetry of the skull. By using a statistical shape model (SSM), the reconstruction can be automatized and improved in accuracy. The present study aims to show the possibilities of the virtual reconstruction of artificial defects of the orbital floor using an SSM and its potentials for clinical implementation.Methods: Based on 131 unaffected CT scans of the midface, an SSM was created which contained the shape variability of the orbital floor. Nineteen midface CT scans, that were not included in the SSM, were manually segmented to establish ground truth (control group). Then artificial defects of larger and smaller sizes were created and reconstructed using SSM (Group I) and the gold standard of mirroring (Group II). Eventually, a comparison to the surface of the manual segmentation (control group) was performed.Results: The proposed method of reconstruction using an SSM leads to more precise reconstruction results, compared with the conventional method of mirroring. Whereas mirroring led to the reconstruction errors of 0.7 mm for small defects and 0.73 mm for large defects, reconstruction using SSM led to deviations of 0.26 mm (small defect) and, respectively, 0.34 mm (large defect).Conclusions: The presented approach is an effective and accurate method for reconstructing the orbital floor. In connection with modern computer‐aided design and manufacturing, individual patient‐specific implants could be produced according to SSM‐based reconstructions and could replace current methods using manual bending techniques. By acknowledging the natural asymmetry of the human skull, the SSM‐based approach achieves higher accuracy in reconstructing injured orbits.

Background: Complex bilateral midface fractures necessitate a surgically challenging procedure to preserve or restore the occlusion and the sensitive eye area. In this case control study, we aim to show the potential of a statistical shape model (SSM) for measuring the quality of the midface reconstruction, compared to the estimated preoperative situation. Methods: An individualized SSM was postoperatively registered on 19 reconstructed complex bilateral midface fractures. Using this SSM, the distances from the simulated preoperative situation to the postoperative positions of the fracture segments were calculated. The fracture lines for Le Fort II, Le Fort III, and NOE fractures were chosen as reference points for the distance measurements. Results: The SSM could be registered on all 19 complex bilateral midface fractures. All analyzed fractures showed a dorsal impaction (negative values) of the midface. Le Fort II fractures showed deviation values of –0.98 ± 4.6 mm, Le Fort III fractures showed values of –3.68 ± 3.6 mm, NOE type 2 fractures showed values of –0.25 ± 4.6 mm, and NOE type 1 fractures showed values of –0.25 ± 4.6 mm. Conclusions: The SSM can be used to measure the quality of the achieved reduction of complex bilateral midface fractures based on the estimated preoperative situation. Trial registration: DRKS00009719.