Background
Prototyping technologies for reconstructions consist of obtaining a 3‐dimensional model of the object of interest. Solid models are constructed by the deposition of materials in successive layers. The purpose of this study was to perform a double‐blind, randomized, prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of prototype use in head and neck surgeries.
Methods
Thirty‐seven cases were randomized into prototype and nonprototype groups. The following factors were recorded: the time of plate and locking screw apposition, flap size, time for reconstruction, and an aesthetic evaluation.
Results
The prototype group exhibited a reduced surgical time (43.7 minutes vs 127.7 minutes, respectively; p = .001), a tendency to reduce the size of the bone flap taken for reconstruction, and better aesthetic results than the group that was not prototyped.
Conclusion
The use of prototyping demonstrated a trend toward a reduced surgical time, smaller bone flaps, and better aesthetic results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1773–1782, 2014