Management of Atrophic Edentulous Mandible Fractures Utilizing Virtual Surgical Planning and Patient-Specific Implants

Abstract

Study Design This paper presents a case series analysis of 5 patients with Luhr class III mandible fractures treated using virtual surgical planning (VSP) and patient-specific implants (PSI) between October 2020 and February 2023. The study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of VSP and PSI in managing complex mandibular fractures, particularly in edentulous patients. Objective The primary objective is to assess the outcomes of using VSP and PSI for reconstructive surgery in patients with Luhr class III mandible fractures. The study aims to determine the accuracy of these techniques in fracture reduction and their impact on surgical complications and overall patient outcomes. Methods The methodology involves a detailed preoperative planning process using VSP to design customized implants tailored to the specific anatomical needs of each patient. The study tracks the surgical procedures, implant placements, and postoperative outcomes, comparing the preoperative plans with the actual surgical results to evaluate accuracy and effectiveness. Results The results indicate successful fracture reduction in all 5 patients, with a high degree of accuracy in implant placement and alignment compared to the preoperative virtual plans. The study highlights the benefits of VSP and PSI, including precise screw placement and enhanced potential for prosthetic rehabilitation. Despite the higher costs, the outcomes suggest significant advantages in terms of surgical precision and patient recovery. Conclusions The use of VSP and PSI in the treatment of Luhr class III mandible fractures provides a tailored approach that enhances surgical accuracy and patient outcomes. While acknowledging the increased costs, the findings support the value of these advanced techniques in managing complex edentulous mandible fractures, advocating for their consideration in similar cases to improve surgical results and patient care. The study adds to the growing evidence of the benefits of VSP and PSI in reconstructive maxillofacial surgery.