Let me tell you, folks, when it comes to rebuilding jaws, it’s not just about the surgery. It’s about seeing the future. We’ve got these incredible in silico simulations, the best, really, for predicting how your jaw is going to move after surgery. It’s like having a crystal ball, but better, because it’s science.

We took ten patients, folks, ten brave souls ready to have their jaws reconstructed. And we didn’t just go in blind. No, we used the latest and greatest technology – cone-beam computed tomography images, capturing every little detail of their mandibular movements, and even their muscle signals before the surgery. We’re talking about a level of preparation that’s just unmatched.

But here’s where it gets really interesting. We created a subject-specific mandibular musculoskeletal model. That’s a mouthful, I know, but think of it as a tailor-made suit, but for your jaw. This model, it’s not just any model. It’s designed to predict exactly how your jaw is going to function after the surgery. We’re talking precision that’s through the roof.

And the results? They speak for themselves. We were able to predict jaw movements with an accuracy that’s just unbelievable. Sure, there’s a bit of an error margin, but remember, we’re predicting the future here. The fact that we can get so close is nothing short of amazing.

Now, not to get too technical, but we looked into what affects these predictions. Turns out, age, whether you’ve had an infection or radiotherapy, it all plays a part. But here’s the kicker – the amount of muscle you have to detach during surgery? Not as big of a deal as you’d think.

In conclusion, this mandibular musculoskeletal model, it’s a game-changer. It’s paving the way for surgeries that are not just successful, but predictable. We’re talking about reducing the risk of complications like trismus. It’s a big win, folks, a huge win for patients everywhere.