Morphometric analysis of paired fibula and mandible for optimal fibular mandibular reconstruction in a Chinese population

Abstract

To analyze the morphology of paired fibula and mandible aiming to choose optimal fibular segments for mandibular reconstruction in a Chinses population. A total of 118 cases of paired mandible and fibula was collected. All patients were received preoperative cone beam CT (CBCT) scans for mandibular evaluation and CT-angiographical (CTA) examination of the bilateral lower legs, respectively. The cross-sectional morphological differences between proximal (Side P), middle (Side M) and distal (Side D) segments of fibula and anterior, premolar and molar areas of mandible were compared. The most frequent cross-sectional shape at Side D, Side M and Side P portion of fibula was circular (75.4%), triangular (67.8%) and circular (49.2%), respectively. In anterior, premolar and molar areas of mandible, the most of the cross-section was s-shape (90.82%), straight (83.64%) and oblique (91.89%), respectively. The height and width of upper one third (W1) at Side M were significantly larger than those of Side D and Side P (p < 0.0001). There was significantly difference of width of lower one third (W2) among three groups (p < 0.0001). As for the height and widths of mandible, there was significant difference among anterior, premolar and molar regions (p < 0.0001). The rate of height between Side M of fibula and mandible (H (Side M/area)) was significantly larger than H (Side D/area) and H (Side P/area) (p < 0.01). The ratio of W1 between Side D of fibula and mandible (W1 (Side D/area)) was significantly larger than that of W1 (Side M/area) and W1 (side P/area) (p < 0.05). As for the ratio of W2 between fibula and mandible (W2 (plane/area)), there was significant difference among groups (p < 0.01). The distal and middle segments of fibula were suitable for reconstructing the anterior area of mandible and the proximal segment of fibula was more compatible with the premolar and molar areas of mandible. Clinical Relevance Presurgical morphometric analysis of paired fibula and mandible aids for optimal fibular-based mandibular reconstruction.