Computer-aided design and manufacturing to facilitate microvascular free tissue transfer in extremity, pelvic, and spinal reconstructions.

Background: Numerous surgical fields have embraced computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), including plastic and reconstructive surgery. However, most of the literature and clinical use pertains to reconstruction of the head and neck. Herein we provide a case series and systematic review of the literature, documenting the use of CAD/CAM in facilitating complex microvascular free tissue transfer for reconstructions involving the extremities, pelvis, and spine (EPS).

Methods: This study consisted of two components: a case series and a systematic review of the literature. For the case series, the senior author's cases that included CAD/CAM to assist microvascular free tissue transfer reconstructions of the EPS were included. For the systematic review, all PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar-indexed studies describing the use of CAD/CAM to facilitate free tissue transfer in the EPS were identified and included using PRSMA-guidelines.

Results: The case series identified ten patients who received CAD/CAM assisted microvascular reconstruction. Our systematic review identified 15 articles, representing 124 patients and 133 CAD/CAM assisted free tissue transfers. Most authors believed that CAD/CAM facilitated a more efficient operation by shifting much of the intraoperative planning to the preoperative phase, ultimately translating to a shorter and more accurate surgery with improved function and cosmesis.

Conclusions: CAD/CAM can be used to facilitate microvascular reconstruction of the extremities, pelvis, and spine. Our cases series and systematic review suggests that CAD/CAM for EPS surgery may improve outcomes.