Application of Computer-Aided Design and Individualized Templates for Bilateral Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Computer-Aided Surgery
• 3D Imaging in Medicine

Background:

• Bilateral zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures present significant challenges in achieving facial symmetry.
• Traditional reduction techniques can be complex and may lead to suboptimal aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the practicality and accuracy of using computer-aided design (CAD) and individualized templates for bilateral ZMC fracture reduction.
• To assess the effectiveness of this technique in restoring facial symmetry and zygomatic positioning.

Main Methods:

• A study involved 16 patients with bilateral ZMC fractures.
• Three-dimensional (3D) models were used to reconstruct the ZMC, mirrored to the contralateral side.
• Individualized templates, based on 3D models, provided intraoperative guidance for fracture reduction.

Main Results:

• Successful restoration of bilateral ZMC positioning was achieved in all patients.
• Postoperative horizontal asymmetry rates were below 3.0%, with no significant differences in orbital dimensions.
• Patient-reported outcomes, including mouth opening and infraorbital nerve sensation, showed improvement or normalization.

Conclusions:

• Computer-aided design and individualized templates offer an accurate and practical approach for treating bilateral ZMC fractures.
• This technique effectively restores ideal ZMC shape and achieves excellent facial symmetry.
• The virtual 3D model measurements closely correlated with postoperative patient measurements.