Accuracy of Virtual Surgical Planning Versus Traditional Technique in Zygomaticomaxillary Fracture Reduction

Background:

The zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) is one of the most frequently fractured regions of the facial skeleton due to its prominent anatomical position. Improper reduction can lead to functional impairment, facial asymmetry, and poor esthetic results. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and 3D printing have recently been introduced to enhance surgical precision through preoperative simulation and prebending of fixation plates. However, the clinical superiority of this technique over traditional surgical methods remains under investigation.

Objective:

To compare the accuracy and clinical outcomes of virtual surgical planning and prebent titanium miniplates versus conventional open reduction and internal fixation techniques in the management of zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures.

Methods:

This randomized clinical trial will include 20 patients diagnosed with unilateral ZMC fractures, divided equally into two groups.

Group I: Patients treated using virtual surgical planning with 3D model reconstruction, virtual reduction, and prebending of titanium miniplates.

Group II: Patients treated using traditional open reduction and fixation without virtual planning.

All surgeries will be performed under general anesthesia using standard approaches. Clinical evaluation will include assessment of facial symmetry, eye movement, enophthalmos, diplopia, wound healing, and postoperative complications. Radiographic evaluation will be conducted by comparing postoperative 3D CT scans (after 3 months) with preoperative virtual models to assess reduction accuracy and bone formation.

Statistical Analysis:

Data will be analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics will be presented as mean ± standard deviation. Independent t-tests and ANOVA will be used to compare outcomes between groups, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.

Expected Outcomes:

It is anticipated that virtual surgical planning will yield superior anatomical accuracy, improved facial symmetry, and reduced intraoperative time and complications compared to conventional techniques.

Ethical Approval:

Approved by the Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Dentistry, Suez Canal University, on 30 September 2025 (Board Status: Approved).

Study Start Date: October 2025 Estimated Completion Date: October 2026

Inclusion criteria

• Adults (≥18 years) with clinically and radiographically confirmed ZMC fracture.
• Fit for general anesthesia and able to undergo CT imaging.
• Willing to sign informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Systemic diseases impairing bone healing (osteoporosis, cancer, long-term steroid use).
• Noncompliance or inability to attend follow-up visits.
• ASA class IV-VI.
• Previous facial deformities or fractures.