Overview
This proposed study aims at creating a computer designed patient specific device and titanium plates, that are 3D manufactured in accordance to a preoperative computer aided virtual surgical procedure, aiming to obtain proper alignment of fractured segments of the lower jaw and restore proper teeth positioning therefore overcoming the possible complications of the conventional methods.
Recruited participants will be randomly allocated to a treatment groupp, whether the novel method group or a standard treatment group.
Preoperative panoramic radiograph and a Computed tomography scan will be obtained for each patient.
Surgical procedure will be conducted unde general anesthetic. Medications will be prescribed after surgery and instructions will be given to each patient.
Follow up will be on a weekly basis for the first 6 weeks followed by a followup visit once a month for 6 months.
Postoperative panoramic radiograph and a Computed tomography scan will be obtained at 1 week after the surgical procrdure and again 6 months later.
Digital data obtained from computed tomography scans along with clinical data will be analysed and studied to determine the accuracy of the computer aided device and for comparison with the standard method of treatment.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients with unilateral mandibular angle fracture with or without associated mandibular fractures in need of open reduction and internal fixation.
- Patients above 18 years old
- Sufficient dentition to reproduce the occlusal relationships
- Patient's consent to participate
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients with comminuted mandibular angle fracture(s)
- Patients with any systemic disease that may affect normal healing
- Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy related to the head and neck region
- Intra-bony lesions in the fracture area that may interfere with proper anatomical reduction.