The application of customized reduction plate in treatment of zygomatic complex fracture

PURPOSE: In this study, we applied the reversed engineering and rapid prototyping technology to assist the treatment of zygomatic complex fractures, and to rehabilitate the ideal shape of the midface. METHODS: From September 2003, 8 cases of zygomatic complex fractures were treated. Based on dicom data of the 3D CT scan, we reconstructed the patient's midfacial skeleton. The Mimics software was used to help horizontally reverse the normal side of the midfacial skeleton as the injured side, and merge these two parts into an ideal midfacial skeleton. With the rapid prototyping technology, the ideal models of the skeleton were fabricated. The customized fracture reduction plastic plates were made based on these ideal models, and applied in the surgery to guide the reduction and fixation of the fractured zygoma. RESULTS: All 8 cases healed primarily; the morphology of the midface was satisfactory. The width of the midface and the height of the zygoma prominence were symmetric. CONCLUSIONS: The customized fracture reduction plate can localize the 3D position of the displaced zygoma, and it is a reliable indication in fracture reduction. It does benefit to simplify the fracture reduction process, and to enhance the therapeutic quality of the zygomatic complex fracture. Supported by Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project (Y0203).