Treatment of Mandibular Non-union Using Patient Specific Crib Cage Plates and Cellular Bone Allograft: A Case Report

Abstract

A gunshot wound to the mandible frequently creates a comminuted fracture that can be debilitating for the patient and challenging for the surgeon. In some instances, immediate open reduction and rigid fixation is not possible, and closed reduction with intermaxillary fixation is employed. This may lead to non-union or mal-union of the segments. This case report describes the management of mal-union of bilateral comminuted mandibular angle fractures secondary to a gunshot wound injury. The mandibular fractures were repaired using virtually planned patient specific reconstruction plates that included a specially designed crib cage to contain a bone graft. A cellular bone allograft—Vivigen (DePuy Synthes, Warsaw, IN)—was chosen as the bone grafting material. The patient was followed up for 7 months with normal functional status and mouth opening and without pain or signs of infection. This report demonstrates that using a virtually planned crib cage plate with cellular bone allograft can optimize surgical repair and bony healing of comminuted mandible fractures.