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Published in: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2/2020

01-06-2020 | Computed Tomography | Case Report

Optimising the management of concurrent symphyseal/parasymphyseal and bilateral extracapsular condylar fractures using three-dimensional printing

Authors: C. King, A. Shafi, E. Burke

Published in: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Issue 2/2020

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Abstract

Purpose

Three-dimensional (3D) printing plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment planning of many elective procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). 3D printers and the associated print materials are now within the price range of most maxillofacial units, requiring less work to be sent out to commercial printers. Whilst their use in the planning of elective procedures is commonplace, acute trauma is an area where 3D printing remains underutilised. The successful management of complex fracture patterns such as concomitant symphyseal/parasymphyseal and bilateral condylar fractures often warrants this approach.

Methods

Freeware digital processing and manipulation software packages were used to view and segment structures from computed tomography (CT) data. Thereafter, fractures were digitally reduced. 3D printed models were produced from the digitally reduced models, allowing preoperative custom adaptation of osteosynthesis plates, facilitating accurate fracture fixation intraoperatively.

Results

For less than one hundred pounds sterling (STG), a 3D printer (with print material) capable of producing a model of sufficient quality can be purchased. The use of freeware digital processing software allows digital manipulation of CT data. Production of 3D models and plate adaptation can be carried out within hours after CT examination.

Conclusions

The construction of digitally reduced 3D models and custom adapted plates enables the surgeon to achieve accurate fixation of complex fracture patterns in theatre which is clearly of benefit to patients. The potential for reduced theatre time also renders this approach more desirable, making this a worthwhile investment despite the additional non-clinical time associated with training and initial expenditure.
Literature
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go back to reference Ellis E 3rd (1998) Complications of mandibular condyle fractures. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 27(4):255–257CrossRef Ellis E 3rd (1998) Complications of mandibular condyle fractures. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 27(4):255–257CrossRef
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go back to reference Loukota RA, Abdel-Galil K (2017) Chapter 6: Condylar fractures. In: Brennan PA et al. (ed) Maxillofacial surgery: 2-Volume Set: Elsevier Health Sciences p. 74-92 Loukota RA, Abdel-Galil K (2017) Chapter 6: Condylar fractures. In: Brennan PA et al. (ed) Maxillofacial surgery: 2-Volume Set: Elsevier Health Sciences p. 74-92
Metadata
Title
Optimising the management of concurrent symphyseal/parasymphyseal and bilateral extracapsular condylar fractures using three-dimensional printing
Authors
C. King
A. Shafi
E. Burke
Publication date
01-06-2020
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 1865-1550
Electronic ISSN: 1865-1569
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-019-00820-y

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