Methodology: workflow for virtual reposition of mandibular condyle fractures

Abstract

Abstract Background Even though mandibular condyle fractures have a high clinical relevance, their treatment remains somewhat challenging. Open reduction and internal fixation are difficult due to narrow surgical approaches, poor overview during reduction, and a possible risk of facial nerve damage. In times of technical endeavors in surgery, there is a trend towards the usage of stable CAD-CAM-implants from additive manufacturing or titanium laser sintering. Up until now, there have not been any reports of fracture treatment of the mandibular condyle using this technique. Results and conclusion We present a workflow for virtual repositioning of the fractured mandibular condyle, to manufacture patient-specific implants for osteosynthesis with the intention of use of resorbable metal alloys in the future.

Keywords

• Craniomaxillofacial trauma
• Mandibular condyle fractures
• Osteosynthesis
• Virtual repositioning
• Patient-specific implant