Evaluation of Virtual Surgical Planning and CAD/CAM techniques in Treatment of Mandibular Fractures via Three-Dimensional Patient-Specific Titanium Plates: A Case series

Background: The study aimed to evaluate and assess the clinical stability and efficacy of 3D patient-specific computer-guided titanium plates (3D-PSP) for accurate reduction and fixation of mandibular fractures. Methods: Ten patients were selected suffering from mandibular body/ para-symphyseal fractures, treated with 3D-PSP. Clinical evaluation included; Patient satisfaction, Pain, Occlusion and Occlusal Bite force. Radiographic parameter evaluated was fracture gap distance. The operating time was also measured during the surgery. Results: The occlusal bite forces showed significant increase at 3 months (p≤0.05) follow up. The fracture gap distance revealed a mean of 0.64±0.40 mm at one week and 0.30±0.38 mm at 3 months. The operating time showed a mean of 8:58±02:39 mins:secs. Conclusions: 3D patient specific plates showed accurate reduction and stability of mandibular fractures with decreased operative time. Superior adaptation on bony surfaces offered increased biting forces and decreased risk of plate fracture and design flexibility avoided mental nerve damage.