Mandible fractures--medical and economic considerations.
This article retrospectively evaluates 1278 mandibular fractures and compares intermaxillary fixation, plating, and interosseous wiring as to outcomes and cost-effectiveness of treatment. The predominance of young men with personal altercations reflects the urban patient setting. The infection from plating exceeds other methods and this difference is also reflected in increased patient days (in the hospital) and an increased length of time for postoperative care. No significant differences are observed between treatments for non-union, malunion, facial nerve injury, or temporal mandibular joint problems. Other factors, such as site and severity of injury and experience of the surgeons are considered. Cost implications are important, but should be just one factor in evaluation for the best treatment for each patient.
el-Degwi
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Department of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Mathog
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RH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D001864:Bone Wires; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000209:etiology; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009819:Office Visits; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology