Purpose statement: We present a model of a simple, inexpensive and rapid method of performing preoperative fracture reduction and hardware planning using widely available tools as well as newly available hollow channel lag screws.

Methods and Materials: Axial CT images of fractured human mandibles are enlarged using a standard copier machine. A life-sized paper image of each fracture fragment is then translated and rotated into alignment to reduce the fracture ex-vivo. The depth and angle of insertion of the lag screw is measured, and a triangular template is created to guide the angle of lag screw insertion with respect to the mandibular border. This template is sterilized and used intraoperatively to place a Kirschner wire, which guides the placement of the hollow channel lag screw.

Results and Conclusions: Over a six month period we applied this process six times with satisfactory outcome. This method provides an inexpensive, widely available and accurate means of preoperatively determining the exact hardware preparation for lag screw fixation of mandible fractures. Operative time is thus shortened and operating room and anesthesia costs are reduced. This simple, inexpensive process has great potential to shorten operative time significantly while yielding excellent results.