Validation of the O-bridge Protocol: a Prospective, Multicenter Trial

Surgical reconstruction to restore oral function and aesthetics after major ablative surgery in the oral cavity forms a challenge to maxillofacial surgeons, and greatly impacts patient' quality of life (QOL). The "Oncological-bridge (O-bridge®)" protocol, which offers (immediate/delayed) fixed prosthetic rehabilitation in a minimum of sessions and a strongly reduced two-week treatment time.

Objective: The investigators aim to demonstrate the added value of the "O-bridge® protocol" in a larger sample size of at least 20 patients eligible for (immediate/delayed) fixed prosthodontic rehabilitation at time of oral cavity (mandibular) reconstruction study design: a prospective, observational cohort study. The "O-bridge® protocol", in which the standardized concept of implant loading and that of oral cavity (mandibular) reconstruction are combined with an adapted prosthetic manufacturing protocol, will be offered to eligible patients requiring ablative surgery because of a benign or malignant tumour of the oral cavity or stage 3-4 osteonecrosis.

All patients will be screened by the local maxillofacial surgeon and the prosthodontist to determine eligibility for the procedure. Imaging will be performed as part of routine surgical preparation. Clinical function, as measured with the 11-item scale by Rogers and intelligibility of speech will be assessed by the speech therapist and/or appointed health care employee prior to surgery, 3 months post-surgery and/or at time of implant placement, and at 6 weeks after placement of the O-bridge®. In addition, EORTC quality of life C30 and HN35 questionnaires will also be completed at those time-points, and at 6 months after placement of the O-bridge®. Speech-, food- and prosthetic fit-related items from the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaire will be completed at 6 weeks and at 6 months after placement of the O-bridge®. Parameters related to implant and bridge stability and patient satisfaction, measured through a 10-point visual analogue scale, will be assessed at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months at routine follow-up consultation after placement of the O-bridge®.

As a primary endpoint, the investigators aim to demonstrate that the O-bridge® protocol significantly improves short-term patient' quality of life.

Moreover, the investigators aim to demonstrate the validity and reliability of the O-bridge® protocol, based on its short- and long-term biologic implant stability and mechanical stability of the prosthesis. In addition, they aim to measure the impact of the O-bridge® on speech intelligibility.