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Can Fracture Reduction be Attempted Through a 3D-Printed Guide Template Without Maxillomandibular Fixation?
Hee-Yeoung Jung1, Jin-Yong Cho2, Seunggon Jung3
1Graduate Student, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea; Graduate Student, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Dental Science Research Institute, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
This study shows that 3D-printed guides can effectively reduce mandibular symphysis fractures without needing maxillomandibular fixation (MMF). This innovation offers a potential alternative for managing these fractures, improving clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Digital Dentistry
Background:
- Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies are increasingly integrated into clinical workflows.
- These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize traditional approaches to managing mandibular fractures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed template for reducing mandibular symphysis fractures.
- To determine if this technique can be performed without the need for maxillomandibular fixation (MMF).
Main Methods:
- An in-vitro proof-of-concept study utilizing 20 pairs of intraoral scan and CT data.
- Creation of digital mandibular models, including a fracture simulation, using CAD software.
- Fabrication of a 3D-printed guide template to restore occlusion and facilitate fracture reduction and fixation with wire, serving as the experimental group.
Main Results:
- The 3D coordinate system error was measured to compare the accuracy of the experimental group against a control.
- No statistically significant difference in overall 3D error was found between the 3D-printed template group and the control group (1.06 ± 0.63 mm vs. 0.96 ± 0.48 mm).
- Significant differences were noted in specific landmark positions before and after reduction within the experimental group.
Conclusions:
- The use of a 3D-printed guide template allows for the successful reduction of mandibular symphysis fractures.
- This method can be effectively employed without the necessity of maxillomandibular fixation (MMF).
- This technique represents a promising advancement in fracture management, potentially simplifying procedures and improving patient outcomes.
