Mandibular fractures treated with maxillomandibular fixation screws (MMFS method)

J Craniofac Surg. 2006 May;17(3):544-9. doi: 10.1097/00001665-200605000-00026.

Abstract

The purpose of the treatment of mandibular fractures is to restore proper dental occlusion and stable temporomandibular joint movement, as well as the reduction of the displaced fracture. Consideration must be given to the selection of the most appropriate surgical and rehabilitation methods in such patients. Typical surgical methods for the treatment of mandibular fractures include the arch bar method or plating at the location of the fracture combined with fixing the mandible to the maxilla using the arch bar method. However arch bars and circumdental wires, which require teeth for fixation, damage teeth and periodontal tissue, and tend to be uncomfortable for patients during the fixation period. Moreover, daily maintenance of oral hygiene is difficult for patients with an arch bar. Surgeons are also exposed to the risk of blood-transmitted diseases through skin punctures by wires when affixing these devices. For these reasons, we chose to study the potential of the MMFS method, which is thought to lessen all of the following problems: tissue damage, operating time, patient discomfort, and possible exposure to percutaneous infectious disease due to puncture of gloves and skin by the wires. We demonstrated the utility of the MMFS method in the present study.

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Adult
  • Athletic Injuries / surgery
  • Bone Screws*
  • Bone Wires / adverse effects
  • Chin / innervation
  • Dental Occlusion
  • Fracture Fixation / instrumentation*
  • Humans
  • Jaw Fixation Techniques / adverse effects
  • Jaw Fixation Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Lip Diseases / etiology
  • Mandibular Fractures / surgery*
  • Oral Ulcer / etiology
  • Paresthesia / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stainless Steel
  • Temporomandibular Joint / physiology
  • Titanium
  • Violence

Substances

  • Stainless Steel
  • Titanium