Mandibular Rami Implant: A New Approach in Mandibular Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The mandible is an essential esthetic and functional component of the lower third of the face and its reconstruction has always been a challenge, especially after severe post-traumatic injuries. The purpose of the present report was to introduce a new approach of mandibular reconstruction in a patient who had lost the entire mandible except for the rami after being severely injured in a blast. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new approach using a titanium mandibular rami implant technique was applied using computer-aided 3-dimensional virtual planning and rapid prototyping technology. A prosthetic component was supported by the mandibular implant, which achieved occlusion and dedicated function for the patient. RESULTS: This method offered precise adaptation of the implant and prosthesis and an easier surgical procedure, providing a shortened operation time, no donor site morbidity, and more predictable outcomes. CONCLUSION: This new technique allows reconstruction of large-scale mandibular defects that is not possible by conventional surgical methods.

Antibacterial Effect of Bacteriocin Isolated From Lactobacillus Plantarum ATCC 8014 on Postoperative Infection of Mandibular Fracture In Vivo.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to verify the effects of bacteriocin in treatment of postoperative infection of mandibular fracture in vivo. METHODS: Eighty-two mice were inoculated intravenously with staphylococcal suspensions. Bacterial cultures were obtained from implants. Blood samples were collected at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours after the injection of bacteriocins. RESULTS: Bacteriocins have significant inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus (P < 0.05) and there are significant differences interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-10 in serum (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bacteriocin isolated from L plantarum may be one of promising ways to control postoperative infection of mandibular fracture in vivo.

Segundos molares mandibulares permanentes impactados en pacientes de 8 a 15 años del programa de presupuesto participativo de Medellín, Colombia / Impactation of Permanent Mandibular Second Molars in 8 to 15 Year-Old Patients from the Participative Budget Program in Medellín, Colombia

Antecedentes: La impactación de segundos molares mandibulares permanentes (2MM) se presenta con variaciones considerables según el grupo poblacional. Además de los problemas asociados a esta alteración, podrían requerir tratamientos múltiples y complejos. Por lo tanto, el diagnóstico temprano de una alteración en el proceso de erupción del 2MM es imperativo para reducir el riesgo de impactación, la dificultad de tratamiento y la aparición de problemas asociados en las poblaciones. Propósito: Describir las características de impactación del 2MM en pacientes de 8 a 15 años en una muestra de Medellin, Colombia. Métodos: En este estudio descriptivo retrospectivo se evaluaron 1756 radiografias panorámicas de las cuales 95 presentaron impactación de 2MM. Estas se analizaron según sexo, localización en la mandíbula y tipo de inclinación, y se realizaron 13 mediciones lineales y angulares para identificar parámetros dentoesqueléticos característicos del lado de la impactación. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva y la prueba T (p < 0,05). Resultados: La prevalencia de impactación fue del 5,4 %. La impactación bilateral con inclinación mesial fue la más frecuente. El lado izquierdo predominó en impactaciones unilaterales. El único parámetro dentoesquelético característico de impactación fue el ángulo de inclinación del 2MM con respecto al plano oclusal, con mayor severidad en el lado izquierdo. Conclusiones: Un ángulo igual o mayor a 112,94° podría indicar riesgo de impactación contra el primer molar mandibular permanente. Por lo tanto, este parámetro debería incluirse en el análisis radiográfico para el diagnóstico temprano de impactación del 2MM.

Background: Impactation of permanent mandibular second molars (2MM) occurs with significant variations according to the population group. In addition to the problems associated with it, they could require multiple and complex treatments. Therefore, the early diagnosis of an alteration in the 2MM eruption process is a must to reduce the impactation risk, the treatment difficulty and the occurrence of related problems in the populations. Purpose: To describe the 2MM impactation characteristics in an 8 to 15 year-old patient sample in Medellin, Colombia. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study evaluated 1 756 panoramic radiographs and 95 of them showed 2MM impactation. The latter were analyzed based on the sex, location in the mandible and type of inclination; 13 linear and angle measurings were then carried out in order to identify dental-skeletal parameters characteristic in the impactation side. The data analysis used descriptive statistics and a T test (p < 0.05). Results: The impactation prevalence was 5.4% and the bilateral impactation with mesial inclination was the most frequently found. Unilateral impactations prevailed in the left side of the mandible/maxilla. The only dental-skeletal parameter of impactation was the 2MM inclination angle regarding the occlusal plane, with a greater severity on the left side. Conclusions: An angle of 112.94° or greater could indicate an impactation risk on the permanent mandibular first molar. Therefore, this parameter should be included in the radiographic analysis when diagnosing the early 2MM impactation.

Tratamiento de fracturas mandibulares / Treatment of mandibular fractures

Las fracturas y secuelas mandibulares son de difícil resolución en el ámbito de la cirugía maxilofacial, sus componentes hacen que su reducción no solo sea anatómica, sino también funcional. El objetivo de este artículo es realizar una revisión de los conocimientos más actuales en el tratamiento de fracturas y secuelas mandibulares y la presentación de un caso de secuela de trauma mandibular. El trata-miento de estas fracturas ha ido cambiando durante los últimos años, sirviéndose de nuevas tecnologías para lograr una mejor reducción a través de elementos de osteosíntesis, que propician abordajes más pequeños y con menor comorbilidad. Así el los nuevos sistemas de placas de titanio como miniplacas, placas de reconstrucción o autobloqueantes brindan excelentes resultados en traumas de alta energía con reducciones anatómicas más estables. La tecnología a través de sistemas de reconstrucción 3D y TAC intraoperatorios han logrado mejores resultados en la resolución de estos traumas.

Treatment of mandibular fractures and their sequelae are difficult to resolve in the maxillofacial surgery field, their components cause that reduction must not only be anatomic, but functional as well. The aim of this article is to present a review about actual knowledge in mandibular fracture treatmentand report a case of mandibular trauma. The treatment of these fractures has been changing through theyears; the new technologies achieve better reduction with the osteosynthesis systems, which results inreduced approaches and lesser morbidity. Presently, titanium plates systems like mini-plates, reconstruction plates or blocking plates offer excellent results in high energy traumas through anatomic and stable reductions. The technology of 3D reconstruction systems and intra-operatory CT accomplishes better results in trauma treatment.

Simple prosthesis for a cancer patient with a segmental mandibulectomy and free fibula flap reconstruction: a clinical report.

Tumors of the mandible often necessitate the resection of a major portion of the body of the mandible as well as tissue from the tongue. Resection of the body of the mandible often leads to discontinuity of the mandible, affecting function to a large extent. While the rehabilitation of such defects with free fibula flaps may provide a certain level of stability to the mandible and aid in the prosthetic rehabilitation of these patients, the bulk of these flaps may create difficulties during prosthetic rehabilitation. The economic constraints of patients and/or their fear of implant surgery may also rule out prosthetic rehabilitation with implant-retained prostheses. This case report describes a simple and cost-effective method of prosthetic rehabilitation for a cancer patient who had undergone a segmental mandibulectomy followed by reconstruction with a free fibula flap.

Management of severe mandibular deviation following partial mandibular resection: a case report.

Extensive mandibular resection commonly leads to a deviation of the mandible, facial disfigurement, and difficulty with speech and mastication. The rehabilitation of these patients is a prosthodontic challenge. This article presents the case of a 60-year-old man who sought prosthetic rehabilitation after a right segmental mandibulectomy. The prosthetic rehabilitation was planned in 2 phases. A palatal ramp was constructed, followed by a mandibular guiding flange. After 4 months, the patient's chewing ability, tongue movement, and facial esthetics were improved.

[Application of three-dimensional printing technique in artificial bone fabrication for bone defect after mandibular angle ostectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of three-dimensional (3-D) printing technique combining with 3-D CT and computer aided-design technique in customized artificial bone fabrication, correcting mandibular asymmetry deformity after mandibular angle ostectomy. METHODS: Between April 2011 and June 2013, 23 female patients with mandibular asymmetry deformity after mandibular angle ostectomy were treated. The mean age was 27 years (range, 22-34 years). The disease duration of mandibular asymmetry deformity was 6-16 months (mean, 12 months). According to the CT data and individualized mandibular angle was simulated based on mirror theory, 3-D printed implants were fabricated as the standard reference for manufacturers to fabricated artificial bone graft, and then mandible repair operation was performed utilizing the customized artificial bone to improve mandibular asymmetry. RESULTS: The operation time varied from 40 to 60 minutes (mean, 50 minutes). Primary healing of incisions was obtained in all patients; no infection, hematoma, and difficulty in opening mouth occurred. All 23 patients were followed up 3-10 months (mean, 6.7 months). After operation, all patients obtained satisfactory facial and mandibular symmetry. 3-D CT reconstructive examination results after 3 months of operation showed good integration of the artificial bone. CONCLUSION: 3-D printing technique combined with 3-D CT and computer aided design technique can be a viable alternative to the approach of maxillofacial defects repair after mandibular angle ostectomy, which provides a accurate and easy way.

Mandibular reconstruction with a prefabricated free vascularized fibula and implant-supported prosthesis based on fully three-dimensional virtual planning.

Because optimal reconstruction of maxillofacial defects requires functional rehabilitation, the current study demonstrates the successful secondary reconstruction of a large mandibular continuity defect using a fully digitally planned prefabricated free vascularized fibula with immediate implant-supported prosthodontic restoration. A 56-year-old man presented with a large mandibular continuity defect after resection of an enlarged squamous cell carcinoma arising from the floor of the mouth. For secondary reconstruction, the shape of the neomandible and implant position for support of the lower prosthesis were planned virtually. The combined cutting and drilling guide was printed in 3 dimensions. In a 2-step surgical approach, first, the implants were inserted into the fibula and covered with a split-thickness skin graft to form a neogingiva. In a second operation, the fibula was harvested, osteotomized, and fixed with the denture on the preinserted implants. The fibula was placed to its final position guided by the occlusion. Using three-dimensional virtual backward planning, it was feasible to perform a mandibular reconstruction with immediate prosthetic rehabilitation.

The use of a head-mounted display in oral implantology: a feasibility study.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of a navigation system for oral implantology using either a head-mounted display (HMD) or a monitor as a device for visualization. METHODS: Drilling experiments in plastic mandibles were performed by seven investigators supported by a navigation system using an HMD. A set of drilling experiments was carried out using a traditional monitor setup as standard of reference. Prior to the experiments, CT scans of the mandibles were performed. Positions of the boreholes were determined with the planning software Mimics[Formula: see text]. In order to find the correct positions of the boreholes, individuals had to match two pairs of crosshairs. By an infrared tracking device, the navigation system was able to spot the artificial jaw and the angular piece of the drill allowing for the navigation. After the experiments, a second CT scan was acquired: (i) to identify the beginning and the end of the boreholes, (ii) to compare the positions of the planned implant and the boreholes and (iii) to calculate the deviations. RESULTS: Overall deviation of the starting point of the borehole was 1.24 ± 0.84 mm for the HMD and 1.12 ± 0.68 mm for the monitor, 2.68 ± 1.65 mm of the end point of the borehole for the HMD and 2.46 ± 1.34 mm for the monitor. The mean deviation of the axis was 4.68◦ ± 3.7◦ for the HMD and 4.53◦ ± 4.17◦ for the monitor. CONCLUSIONS: As overall accuracies do not differ significantly, the two methods seem to be equal. Personal skills seem to be crucial as the results show remarkable differences among the test persons. The results of our study demonstrate that the use of an HMD has no major drawbacks compared to the monitor setting. The striking advantage is that the surgeon is no longer obliged to turn his head away from the operation site during navigation, as all data relevant for the procedure are superimposed on the image of the real world in his field of view.

Reemplazo articular temporomandibular debido a queratoquiste odontogénico / Temporomandibular joint replacement because of odontogenic keratocyst

Existen disímiles condiciones que hacen necesario el reemplazo articular temporomandibular; dentro de las más frecuentes se encuentran la anquilosis, la osteoatrosis, estadíos avanzados del Síndrome de disfunción temporomandibular, daño articular postrauma y procesos neoplásicos o tumorales. Los queratoquistes odontógenos que se agrupan para su estudio dentro de los quistes odontogénicos del desarrollo, representan cerca del 7 al 10 por ciento de todos los quistes maxilo-mandibulares. Se dice que tienen dos picos de incidencia entre la segunda y tercera década de vida y entre los 50 y 60 años de edad, con una ligera predilección por el sexo masculino. Aparece más frecuentemente en la región del tercer molar de la mandíbula con extensión a la rama ascendente El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo mostrar el caso de un paciente masculino de 57 años de edad en el que fue necesario el reemplazo articular temporomandibular debido a un queratoquiste odontogénico que involucraba la totalidad de la rama mandibular derecha, incluyendo el proceso condíleo y coronoideo, así como el ángulo hasta el tercio posterior del cuerpo mandibular. Tras un año de realizada la intervención quirúrgica la evolución del paciente fue satisfactoria(AU)

Temporomandibular joint replacement is required in a variety of conditions. Among the most frequent are ankylosis, osteoarthrosis, advanced stages of the temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome, post-traumatic joint damage, and neoplastic or tumoral processes. Odontogenic keratocysts, which are classified as developmental odontogenic cysts for study purposes, constitute 7-10 per cent of all maxillomandibular cysts. Two peaks have been identified in their incidence: between the second and third decades of life, and between 50 and 60 years of age, with a slight predominance of the male sex. They are most common in the third molar area of the mandibule, with expansion to the ascending branch. A case is presented of a male 57-year-old patient requiring temporomandibular joint replacement due to an odontogenic keratocyst involving the entire right mandibular branch, including the condylar and coronoid processes, as well as the angle as far as the posterior third of the mandibular body. One year after surgery, the patient's evolution was satisfactory(AU)

Reemplazo articular temporomandibular debido a queratoquiste odontogénico / Temporomandibular joint replacement because of odontogenic keratocyst

Existen disímiles condiciones que hacen necesario el reemplazo articular temporomandibular; dentro de las más frecuentes se encuentran la anquilosis, la osteoatrosis, estadíos avanzados del Síndrome de disfunción temporomandibular, daño articular postrauma y procesos neoplásicos o tumorales. Los queratoquistes odontógenos que se agrupan para su estudio dentro de los quistes odontogénicos del desarrollo, representan cerca del 7 al 10 por ciento de todos los quistes maxilo-mandibulares. Se dice que tienen dos picos de incidencia entre la segunda y tercera década de vida y entre los 50 y 60 años de edad, con una ligera predilección por el sexo masculino. Aparece más frecuentemente en la región del tercer molar de la mandíbula con extensión a la rama ascendente El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo mostrar el caso de un paciente masculino de 57 años de edad en el que fue necesario el reemplazo articular temporomandibular debido a un queratoquiste odontogénico que involucraba la totalidad de la rama mandibular derecha, incluyendo el proceso condíleo y coronoideo, así como el ángulo hasta el tercio posterior del cuerpo mandibular. Tras un año de realizada la intervención quirúrgica la evolución del paciente fue satisfactoria(AU)

Temporomandibular joint replacement is required in a variety of conditions. Among the most frequent are ankylosis, osteoarthrosis, advanced stages of the temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome, post-traumatic joint damage, and neoplastic or tumoral processes. Odontogenic keratocysts, which are classified as developmental odontogenic cysts for study purposes, constitute 7-10 per cent of all maxillomandibular cysts. Two peaks have been identified in their incidence: between the second and third decades of life, and between 50 and 60 years of age, with a slight predominance of the male sex. They are most common in the third molar area of the mandibule, with expansion to the ascending branch. A case is presented of a male 57-year-old patient requiring temporomandibular joint replacement due to an odontogenic keratocyst involving the entire right mandibular branch, including the condylar and coronoid processes, as well as the angle as far as the posterior third of the mandibular body. One year after surgery, the patient's evolution was satisfactory(AU)

Deep circumflex iliac artery flap with osseointegrated implants for reconstruction of mandibular benign lesions: clinical experience of 33 cases.

BACKGROUND: A variety of free flaps have been successfully used for mandible reconstruction. The iliac crest has similar dimensions and form to the lateral mandible. The success rate and complication rate of deep circumflex iliac artery flap transplants had no significant difference to those of other microvascular bone transplants. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with the use of the vascularized free iliac flap for the reconstruction of mandibular defects following surgical resection. METHODS: Data from 33 patients who underwent operations, including segmental mandibulectomy, immediate mandibular reconstruction and second-stage surgery, were retrospectively analysed. The size of segmental mandible defects ranged from 6 to 13 cm. Surgicase for cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction software was used for patients with mandible defects greater than 10 cm. RESULTS: One flap loss occurred related to vascular thrombosis. The survival rate was 96.97%, and the mean follow-up was 26 months. A total of 81 osseointegrated dental implants were placed in 25 patients with adequate outcomes; 21 patients (63.64%) showed complete recovery, and in 18 out of these 21 patients, occlusion rehabilitation with fixed dentures benefitted from an appropriate distance between upper teeth and new alveolar bone. Donor-site morbidity was moderate, and most of the patients were satisfied with their functional and aesthetic results. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that deep circumflex iliac artery is a reliable method for reconstructing hemimandibular body defects with an acceptably low rate of morbidity. The iliac crest is a safe foundation for the placement of osseointegrated implants, which enable good reconstruction and further improve life quality of patients.

Interim reconstruction and space maintenance of mandibular continuity defects preceding definitive osseous reconstruction.

The use of space maintenance in mandibular defects as an interim measure before definitive osseous reconstruction may prevent problems associated with delayed reconstruction including increased technical difficulty, contracture of soft tissues that limits the volume of the final reconstruction, and the potential for iatrogenic injury to adjacent anatomical structures. The use of a condyle/ramus spacer made of medical grade, ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene, and a flexible body spacer made of high quality, inert, non-toxic medical and food grade silicone rubber, was tested in 38 patients with mandibular defects after the resection of benign but locally aggressive disease, advanced osteomyelitis, and injuries. The spacer was retained for a maximum of 8 weeks, and was then removed through an extraoral approach before definitive reconstruction with a particulate corticocancellous bone graft. One of the 38 patients failed to attend for follow up and returned 7 months later with severe, generalised sepsis that required removal of the spacer and exclusion from the study. Of the remaining 37 patients, 32 healed uneventfully, 1 required removal of the spacer 2 weeks after implantation for intraoral wound dehiscence, and 4 had mild to moderate disturbances of wound healing that required either minor revision or local wound care until removal at the time of reconstruction. The use of a spacer promotes wound healing and simplifies and expedites secondary reconstruction of mandibular defects.

Fully 3-dimensional digitally planned reconstruction of a mandible with a free vascularized fibula and immediate placement of an implant-supported prosthetic construction.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of craniofacial defects becomes complex when dental implants are included for functional rehabilitation. We describe a fully 3-dimensional (3D) digitally planned reconstruction of a mandible and immediate prosthetic loading with a fibula graft in a 2-step surgical approach. METHODS: A 54-year-old man had development of osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. The resection, cutting and implant placement in the fibula were virtually planned. Cutting/drilling guides were 3D printed, and the suprastructure was computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing milled. RESULTS: For the first operation, the implants were inserted in the fibula, and the position was registered by an optical scanning technique that defined the final planning of the suprastructure. For the second operation, the osteoradionecrosis was resected, the fibula was harvested and, with the denture fixed on the preinserted implants, placed in the mandibula guided by the occlusion. CONCLUSION: It was possible to plan a mandibular reconstruction with immediate prosthetic loading completely by 3D virtual techniques.

[Complex treatment approach in patients with lower jaw defects].

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficiency of modern materials in complex treatment of patients with lower jaw defects. The study demonstrates the advantages of biologically inert materials (carbon composite material "Uglekon-M" and titanium alloys) for lower jaw defect restoration.

CAD/CAM and rapid prototyped titanium for reconstruction of ramus defect and condylar fracture caused by mandibular reduction.

Fracture or defect of the mandible is a serious complication of mandibular angleplasty, and precise reconstruction for such defect is still a huge challenge. This case report provides a new method based on CAD/CAM and rapid prototyped titanium for individual design, fabrication, and implantation of a mandibular ramus and angle. A 25-year-old woman with a square-shaped face, who had undergone mandibular outer cortex split ostectomy (MOCSO) 3 months earlier, was afflicted by a series of symptoms: asymmetric face, collapse of the right face, masticatory problems, deviation during mouth opening, malocclusion, and TMJ clicks. These symptoms were caused by unintentional removal of the fractured ramus during MOCSO. By means of CT scan data, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, 3D display, and CAD/CAM, the individualized titanium implant was designed and fabricated. The 3D demo system of operative scheme demonstrated the operative procedure, and determined the position of the implant so as to obtain a perfect fit. Postoperatively, the patient regained satisfactory morphologic symmetry, facial appearance, occlusion, and TMJ functions.

[Reconstruction of mandibular bone defects using three-dimensional skull model and individualized titanium prosthetics from computer assisted design].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of reconstruction of mandibular bone defects using three-dimensional skull model and individualized titanium prosthetics from computer assisted design. METHODS: Between July 2002 and November 2009, 9 patients with mandibular defects accepted restorative operation using individualized bone prosthetics. Among 9 cases, 4 were male and 5 were female, aged 19-55 years. The causes of mandibulectomy were benign lesions in 8 patients and carcinoma of gingival in 1 patient. Mandibular defects exceeded midline in 2 cases, involved condylar in 4 cases, and was limited in one side without involvement of temporo-mandibular joint in 3 cases. The range of bone defects was 9.0 cm x 2.5 cm-17.0 cm x 2.5 cm. The preoperative spiral CT scan was performed and three-dimensional skull model was obtained. Titanium prosthetics of mandibular defects were designed and fabricated through multi-step procedure of reverse engineering and rapid prototyping. Titanium prosthetics were used for one-stage repair of mandibular bone defects, then two-stage implant denture was performed after 6 months. RESULTS: The individualized titanium prosthetics were inserted smoothly with one-stage operative time of 10-23 minutes. All the cases achieved incision healing by first intention and the oblique mandibular movement was corrected. They all got satisfactory face, had satisfactory contour and good occlusion. In two-stage operation, no loosening of the implants was observed and the abutments were in good position with corresponding teeth which were designed ideally before operation. All cases got satisfactory results after 1-9 years of follow-up. At last follow-up, X-ray examinations showed no loosening of implants with symmetry contour. CONCLUSION: Computer assisted design and three-dimensional skull model techniques could accomplish the design and manufacture of individualized prosthetic for the repair of mandibular bone defects.

Resection of a primary oral malignant melanoma and rehabilitative management using nasolabial flap: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The primary malignant melanoma is a rare neoplasm of melanocytic origin in the oral cavity. Only about 1% of all melanomas arise in the oral mucosa and these account for 0.5% of all oral malignancies CASE REPORT: This report describes an oral malignant melanoma occurring in the right maxilla of a 73-year-old patient. The interdisciplinary management using a nasolabial flap and prosthetic oral rehabilitation procedure is described. DISCUSSION: The nasolabial flap technique offers the possibility of an immediate reconstruction of the maxillary defect and obviated problems with speech, swallowing, and permitted oral intake. As a supplementary benefit, the resection area can support the prosthetic rehabilitation.

Reconstrucción con placa 2.4 mm. angulada con cabeza condilar de articulación temporo-mandibular en fracturas compleja de mandíbula: reporte de un caso / Temporomandibular joint reconstruction with a 2.4 mm. angled plate with condylar head in a complex mandible fracture: a case report

El trauma maxilofacial es muy frecuente y se encuentra asociado a una alta incidencia de fracturas faciales en diferentes combinaciones. Este puede ser causado por hechos viales, violencia personal, prácticas deportivas y heridas por proyectil percutido por arma de fuego, siendo estas últimas, lesiones devastadoras que pueden comprometer la vida del paciente. Teniendo en cuenta que el Hospital Universitario de los Andes es uno de los centros asistenciales más importantes de Venezuela, en el manejo del trauma de alta energía, incluyendo el trauma facial, reportamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 33 años, remitido a esta institución por presentar trauma mandibular secundario a herida por arma de fuego, el cual generó una fractura compleja del ángulo, rama y cóndilo izquierdo de la mandíbula. Esta lesión fue resuelta a través de reducción directa, osteosíntesis y hemiartroplastia con un solo implante. Mediante este procedimiento se logró obtener un adecuado resultado funcional y estético. El principal objetivo, a favor preservar la biomecánica de la Articulación Temporomandibular (ATM) afectada, a través del uso de implantes y técnicas especiales, desarrolladas para tal fin

Maxillofacial trauma is very common and is associated with a high incidence of facial fractures in different combinations. This can be caused by traffic accidents, personal violence, sports, and gunshot wound, being devastating injuries that can compromise the patient’s life. The Hospital Universitario de Los Andes is one of the most important health centers in Venezuela in the management of high energy trauma, including facial trauma. We report the case of a 33 year old male pacient, received in this institution for a mandible trauma secondary to a gunshot wound, generating an angle, branch and the left condyle complex fracture of the mandible. This lesion was treated by direct reduction, osteosynthesis and hemiarthroplasty with a single implant. This procedure is able to obtain adequate functional and cosmetic results. The main objective was to preserve the biomechanics of the affected temporomandibular joint, through the use of implants and techniques developed for this purpose