Creating Cutting Guides

Once the surgical plan is finalized in 3D Slicer, the next step is creating cutting guides tailored to the patient’s anatomy. The design process begins by identifying the resection planes on both the mandible and fibula. These planes define where the bone will be cut during surgery. It is crucial to ensure that these planes are accurately positioned in relation to the anatomical landmarks to achieve the best surgical outcomes.

After the resection planes are set, the next phase is to create the cutting guides themselves. These guides are patient-specific and must conform precisely to the surface of the mandible and fibula to ensure a stable fit during surgery. 3D Slicer allows for the customization of these guide surfaces, ensuring they adapt perfectly to the bone anatomy. In addition, the guides include slots or surfaces through which the surgical saw will pass, guaranteeing that the cuts made during surgery match the virtual plan.

Once the design is complete, the cutting guides are ready for export. Typically, the guides are exported as STL files, a common 3D printing format. It’s important to review the guide placement within the software to ensure accuracy. 3D Slicer’s ability to visualize both 2D and 3D views is helpful at this stage, allowing you to confirm that the guides align with the planned resections and fit securely on the bone.

After verifying the guides' accuracy, they can be exported and prepared for 3D printing. Ensuring that the exported files are free from errors is critical, as even minor issues can lead to complications during printing or surgery. Reviewing the STL files carefully before moving forward with printing is a vital step to avoid misalignment or inaccuracies.

By the end of this process, you will have a precise cutting guide ready to be printed and used in the operating room, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of the surgical procedure.