Methodology: workflow for virtual reposition of mandibular condyle fractures

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)

Background:

• Mandibular condyle fractures present significant clinical challenges.
• Traditional open reduction and internal fixation methods are limited by narrow surgical access and risks of nerve damage.
• Advancements in additive manufacturing and titanium laser sintering offer new possibilities for implantable devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel workflow for the virtual repositioning of fractured mandibular condyles.
• To outline the process for manufacturing patient-specific implants for osteosynthesis.
• To explore future applications of resorbable metal alloys in treating these fractures.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) for virtual repositioning of fractured condyles.
• Employing computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to create patient-specific implants.
• Exploring additive manufacturing techniques for implant fabrication.

Main Results:

• A workflow for virtual repositioning and patient-specific implant design has been established.
• This technique addresses limitations of traditional surgical approaches for mandibular condyle fractures.
• The study lays the groundwork for future research into resorbable metal alloys for these implants.

Conclusions:

• A new workflow enables precise virtual repositioning of mandibular condyle fractures.
• Patient-specific implants can be manufactured for osteosynthesis using this method.
• Future research will focus on integrating resorbable metal alloys for enhanced treatment.