Clinical assessment of Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) of Mandibular Body Fractures Using ComputerAssisted Polyetherether Ketone (PEEK) Custom Made Plates Versus Conventional Titanium Plates: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background and objective: This study aimed at clinical assessment of ORIF of mandibular body fracturesusing computer-assisted PEEK custom made plates versus conventional titanium plates.Materials and Method: Sixteen patients were divided into 2 equal groups. Patients in both groups underwentORIF of mandibular body fractures. In the study group, the fractures were stabilized using computerassisted PEEK custom made plates. In the control group, the mandibular body fractures were stabilizedusing 2.3 & 2.0 titanium plating system. Each patient was assessed in terms of postoperative occlusion,wound dehiscence and mental nerve paresthesia. Moreover, operative time was evaluated in both groups.Results: The postoperative recovery and healing phase were uneventful in all patients. No postoperativecomplications were observed except in one case in the study group (PEEK) where wound dehiscence &mental nerve paresthesia were experienced. Postoperative occlusion was satisfactory in both groups with aninsignificant difference (p>0.05) regarding the assessment criteria. However, the custom made PEEK platesshowed the advantage of decreasing operative time and accuracy of reduction.Conclusion: Patient specific PEEK plate showed satisfactory clinical outcomes in ORIF of mandibularbody fractures. Additional advantages include saving time & effort during the surgery.