Clinical and Radiographical Assessment of Patients With Sub-condylar Fracture Using Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Trapezoidal Plates Versus Titanium Trapezoidal Plates

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Condylar Neck Fractures; Polyetheretherketone; Mandible Fracture

• Registration Number: NCT06940115
• Lead Sponsor: Cairo University

Brief Summary

Some of titanium's drawbacks that is commonly used in maxillofacial surgery included scatter artefacts on regular imaging, implant exposure and inflammation, high thermal conductivity, and high elastic modulus. Very few clinical studies have been published on using a PEEK plate in the mandibular fractures and to the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study that will be done comparing trapezoidal condylar 3D printed PEEK plates and titanium trapezoidal condylar plate in subcondylar fractures in terms of clinical and radiographical outcomes.

Detailed Description

Mandibular subcondylar fractures are common injuries that require treatment to restore function and aesthetic. Titanium plates have long been the gold standard for fixation in these fractures due to their strength, durability, and ability to provide rigid stabilization. However, they are associated with limitations such as a higher elastic modulus than bone, imaging artifacts (e.g., CT or MRI interference), and hardware-related complications. These drawbacks have prompted interest in alternative materials like polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

PEEK is a novel biomaterial with promising properties, including biocompatibility, a modulus of elasticity closer to bone, and reduced imaging artifacts. These characteristics suggest it may mitigate some of the challenges associated with titanium plates. The improved elasticity of PEEK could reduce stress shielding and enhance functional recovery, while its imaging compatibility could simplify postoperative assessments.

Researchers have shown significant interest in the application of PEEK composites in trauma plating systems, total replacement implants, and tissue scaffolds, highlighting its potential as a versatile biomaterial. Despite these advantages, evidence specifically evaluating PEEK trapezoidal plates for subcondylar fractures remains scarce, there are a no clinical studies directly comparing the outcomes of PEEK and titanium trapezoidal plates in terms of clinical outcomes. Conducting a study to evaluate these two materials would provide valuable evidence to guide material selection in mandibular subcondylar fracture management.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Study First Submitted: 2025-04-08
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-22
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-22
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-23
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-23
• Study Start: 2025-05-01
• Primary Completion: 2026-05-01
• Study Completion: 2026-06-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 24

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients aged 18 years or older, irrespective of gender
• Recent mandibular subcondylar fractures indicated for open reduction and internal fixation

Exclusion Criteria

• Medically compromised patients contradicting operation (ASA III, IV & V).
• Patients receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
• Infection at the fracture line.
• Pathological fractures and old fractures
• comminuted fractures

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Maximum mouth opening	outcome will be measured postoperatively in 4 different time points. 1st time point is at 1 week after surgery. 2nd time is point at 1 month after surgery. 3rd time point is at 3 months after surgery. 4th time point is at 6 months after surgery	Maximum mouth opening is the distance between the incisal edges of the upper and lower central incisors at the midline when the mouth is opened as wide as possible without pain. It will be measured in millimeters (mm) using a caliper