Clinical evaluation of computer-assisted surgical technique in the treatment of comminuted mandibular fractures

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to establish the advantages and efficiency of computer-assisted surgical (CAS) technique in the treatment of comminuted mandibular fractures compared with conventional technique.MethodsIn the CAS group, 12 patients with comminuted mandibular fractures were treated with computer-assisted technique. Before surgery, a virtual reduction surgery was carried out in the software program MIMICS10.01. Then a reconstructed physical mandible was manufactured for preforming the titanium reconstruction plates. Based on the preoperative planning, the real surgery was carried out. Twelve cases with the same type of fracture treated with conventional technique were reviewed as the part of the control group. The clinical outcome of the surgery was evaluated in the two groups.ResultsCompared with the patients in the control group, in the case of 12 patients in the CAS group a decrease in the operation time and the amount of intraoperative bleeding as well as a superior outcome with respect to satisfaction, mandibular symmetry and postoperative level of opening the mouth were achieved.ConclusionThe CAS of preoperative 3-D planning and preformed plates is a clinically feasible tool for surgeons to improve the treatment of comminuted mandibular fractures.