Study on Suitability of Grafted Bone Following Mandibular Reconstruction Evaluated According to Masticatory Performance Scores Using Half-Portion Gummy Jelly

When performing mandibular reconstruction following mandibular segmentectomy, the surgical method that we have been using involves creating a surgical guide plate using a three dimensions model for bending the mandible reconstruction plate. It has been reported that the current method results in an excellent suitability of the graft into the mandible, which allows for a highly esthetic recovery. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate how well the current surgical method enables the grafted bone to suitability within the mandibular defect in terms of esthetics and functionality by measuring masticatory performance using a gummy score method. We enrolled 11 patients who had undergone mandibular reconstruction using the current method following mandibular tumorectomy at Osaka Medical College Hospital. Among them, 6 evaluable patients were examined using the gummy score method and occlusal force measurement two months after the operation. Gummy score evaluations were performed while masticating on a whole and then a half-portion gummy jelly, taking into account the decline in occlusal force. The results revealed a declining tendency in masticatory performance and occlusal force; however, adequate masticatory performance was obtained with the half-portion gummy jelly. We believe that the gummy score method using a test gummy jelly is a useful tool in evaluating whether a functionally good suitability between the grafted bone and the mandible has been achieved after mandibular reconstruction using the current method.