Methodology: workflow for virtual reposition of mandibular condyle fractures

BACKGROUND: Even though mandibular condyle fractures have a high clinical relevance, their treatment remains somewhat challenging. Open reduction and internal fixation are difficult due to narrow surgical approaches, poor overview during reduction, and a possible risk of facial nerve damage. In times of technical endeavors in surgery, there is a trend towards the usage of stable CAD-CAM-implants from additive manufacturing or titanium laser sintering. Up until now, there have not been any reports of fracture treatment of the mandibular condyle using this technique. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We present a workflow for virtual repositioning of the fractured mandibular condyle, to manufacture patient-specific implants for osteosynthesis with the intention of use of resorbable metal alloys in the future.