An integrated system for planning, navigation and robotic assistance for mandible reconstruction surgery

Mandibular reconstruction is an extremely complex and high-risk surgery. The aim of the study was to integrate robotics technology into mandibular reconstruction surgery as it can reduce surgeons’ workload and improve the accuracy and quality of the surgery. In this study, we first introduced a mandibular reconstruction surgery robotic system, which includes integrated surgery planning, an optical navigation system, and a robot-assisted operation. Second, we addressed novel mandibular reconstruction surgery that is aided by a multi-arm robot with an optical navigation system. Finally, we conducted an accuracy test, a skull model experiment, and an animal experiment to evaluate the robotic system. Experiments showed that the robot’s mean placement error was 1.0205 mm, which was acceptable for clinical application. We will continue to study this point, however, and plan to reduce the error eventually to 1.00 mm. The robot ran smoothly and accurately. It was also able to perform fibular segment implantation, positioning, and auxiliary fixation during mandibular reconstruction surgery.