Background and objectives : The reconstruction of TMJ after tumour resection is still challenging. It is because of complex anatomy and function of this region and imperfect reconstruction modalities. Nowadays standard trays for the partial joint reconstruction were designed by numerous medical manufactures and this method is a method of choice in temporal TMJ reconstruction after tumour resection. Usually the reconstructive titanium plates and artificial condyles are contoured and adapted to by trial-and-error method intraoperativley. However artificial condyle positioning is embarrassing because of complex relationship of one with condylar fossa. The aim of this study was to improve postoperative outcomes by using of preoperative 3D planning.

Methods : The 3D preoperative plate pre-bending and positioning of artificial condyle was done in three clinical cases of hemimandibulectomy. The bending was done virtually and no MRP technology was used. The postoperative result was asses by postoperative CT scan.

Results : No significant complications occurred and satisfactory functional and aesthetic results achieved in all cases. Postoperative CT scan showed adequate positioning of the artificial condyle within glenoid fossa.

Conclusions : Usage of STL models potentially could reduce risk of incorrect contouring as well as operating time. On the other hand fabrication of STL is time consuming and costly. We found the technique of virtual planning is precise and applicable in cases of reconstruction of mandibular defects. Key words : virtual plated bending; TMJ reconstruction; preoperative planning