A 3D virtual model for training in endoscopical repair of subcondylar fractures of the mandible

Abstract

Conventional treatment of the subcondylar fractures of the mandible is challenging because of the medial and anterior displacement of the condylar fragment and the limited surgical field. Proximity of facial nerve, carotid artery branches, parotid gland, and ear canal are risk factors to open surgical procedures. In these fractures a proper reduction and osteosynthesis are always difficult, even if using open procedures. The recent endoscopic approach allows a perfect control and vision of the fragments, and it also permits an anatomic reduction and plating of the fracture avoiding risks associated to the open surgery. Surgical training for these endoscopic procedures is difficult, especially in those cases in which surgeons are not familiar with endoscopic interventions and they still don’t have skills to work while looking at the screen. Simulators are friendly and risk free systems to train surgeons to operate with endoscopes.