title: Use of mini-fragment bone plates for reduction of midface fractures.
abstract: A technique for using small plates in the management of midface fractures is presented. Principles of fracture management are similar to wire osteosynthesis. Anatomic rigid reduction allows more precise control and stabilization of the midfacial bone fragments, particularly the frontal process of the maxilla and the medial canthal region. In addition, rigid fixation aids in preventing inferomedial displacement of the zygomatic complex by the masseter muscle. The vertical dimension of the midface can be reestablished and stabilized by bone plate fixation without the need for suspension wires. Immediate opening of the mouth afforded by rigid fixation facilitates safe airway management, patient comfort, better oral hygiene, and speech and may circumvent the need for tracheostomy when concomitant nasal fractures are present.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio.
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Jeter
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Theriot
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Van Sickels
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Nishioka
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D014716:Vertical Dimension; D014947:Wounds and Injuries