Deterministic Adjustable Bone Plate Design

Abstract

Fracture of the mandible is a common injury associated with facial trauma. Close to 50% of patients admitted to the hospital require surgery to restore normal anatomy and function, often with a period of jaw immobilization to allow formation of a bony union between the fracture halves [1]. Occlusion, or proper alignment of teeth, is necessary for patient comfort and also determines the success of a surgical repair. Misalignment of the fracture halves can be difficult for a physician to objectively assess, but is easily noticed by the patient, leaving little room for error during surgery. Misalignment, called malocclusion, is observed in close to 18% of patients after mandibular fracture repair [2].