Comparative evaluation of preclinical surgical performance of mandibular angle fracture plating by intraoral approach with and without virtual reality- A Randomized Controlled Trial

Surgical technique demonstration by
traditional method is common, but training by virtual reality to trainees has
come into trend from last one decade. It is seen that training the trainees
by virtual reality demonstrate the procedure or technique in step wise and
give complete idea of  procedure.

Mandibular angle fracture is the most common fracture occurring in mandible and accounts 25% of occurrence. It is the most common region to fracture due to thinner cross sectional area, presence of third molar, and muscular force. Open reduction internal fixation is the standard treatment for the angle fracture of mandible.

Intraoral open reduction and fixation using a single miniplate ventral to oblique line of buccal cortex of mandible was described by Champy et al. Bending the plate and adapting to the ventral surface of oblique line needs good skill and technique. To acquire this skill first demonstration and practice is much important.

The most important goal of any training method is to increase the level of skill and understanding, but to date no studies have established a clear benefit of virtual reality training that transfers to oral and maxilla facial surgeon skill measured in the operating room.

The ultimate aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the preclinical surgical performance of oral maxillofacial surgery residents for intraoral mandibular fracture plating after virtual training.