Correlation Between the Posterior Mandibular Width and the Lingual Gap Caused by Symphyseal Fractures Using a Virtual...

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Dental Anatomy

Background:

• Mandibular symphyseal fractures can lead to complex anatomical changes.
• Understanding the dimensional alterations is crucial for effective surgical repair and functional restoration.
• Previous studies have not fully elucidated the correlation between lingual plate gaps and posterior mandibular width changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the dimensional impact of lingual plate gaps in symphyseal fractures on occlusal and articular structures.
• To correlate these lingual gap dimensions with changes in posterior mandibular width.
• To provide data for improved surgical management of mandibular fractures.

Main Methods:

• Observational experimental study using 30 computed tomography (CT) scans.
• Simulated vertical mandibular fractures with 1, 2, and 3 mm lingual gaps using 3D planning software (DDS-Pro).
• Recorded dimensional changes in posterior facial width, mandibular length, height, and inter-distances (intermolar, intergonial, intercondylar).

Main Results:

• Mandibular height remained unaffected by the lingual gap size.
• Mandibular length showed an inverse proportionality to the lingual gap.
• Intermolar, intergonial, and intercondylar distances increased proportionally with larger lingual gaps.

Conclusions:

• Increasing lingual gap size in symphyseal fractures leads to decreased mandibular length and increased transverse dimensions.
• These dimensional changes significantly affect the occlusal and articular relationships.
• Surgical planning must account for these alterations to optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes.