Evaluation of Accuracy of Three-Dimensional Printing and Three-Dimensional Miniplates in Treatment of Anterior Mandibular Fractures: A Prospective Clinical Study

The mandible is the largest and most prominent bone in the maxillofacial region. Facial fractures frequently involve the mandible. Rigid internal fixation combined with maxillomandibular fixation is the standard surgical procedure for treating mandibular fractures. Maxillofacial surgery currently makes extensive use of digital technology in areas like surgical navigation, titanium plate preforming technology, and 3D digital guide plate technology.

Monocortical miniplates that are easily adaptable are used in Champy's semi-rigid fixation technique, along with an "ideal osteosynthesis line" to counteract the developing masticatory forces. The location of the bone plate fixation must provide the fixation method that is most stable in relation to the line of tension at the base of the alveolar process. One plate is often used for fractures that are posterior to the foramen, and two plates are typically used for fractures anterior to the foramen.

Due to muscles working against each other, the anterior mandible fractures are subject to strong torsional forces. Some researchers have suggested using the three-dimensional (3D) miniplates as a viable option for fixation.

To ensure successful osteosynthesis with a minimally invasive approach, three-dimensional (3D) miniplate systems can be used. The system comprises two miniplates joined by interconnecting crossbars and fixed to the bone with monocortical screws. When placed in the fracture line, the 3D miniplate system ensures fracture stabilization, regardless of plate thickness and geometry. The placement of screws in a square pattern on either side of the fracture creates a solid platform that increases resistance to twisting and rotation of the longitudinal axis of the plate.

The stability of occlusion after using 3D miniplates may be due to the box-like configuration, providing rigid fixation of fractures that prevent Buccolingual splaying and gap formation at the fracture site and subsequent occlusal discrepancy; this is the advantage of 3D miniplates over 2D miniplates.