Prophylactic Internal Fixation to Avoid Mandible Fracture with Third Molar Removal: Utilization of Computer Assisted Surgery to Improve Clinical Outcomes.

While uncommon, iatrogenic fractures of the mandible may occur during the perioperative time period of a lower third molar removal. The case described used digital technology to apply prophylactic internal fixation prior to a lower third molar removal thought to be at high risk for a mandible fracture. A medical model of the patient ’s mandible was 3- dimensionally (3D) printed and used as a reference to pre-bend a titanium plate. Dynamic navigation, a form of computer assisted surgery, was used during the surgery to accurately place the pre-bent titanium plate according to the corresponding position on the medical model.

Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - July 13, 2020 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Michael J. Hartman, David M. Sibley Tags: Case Report Source Type: research