Lag-screw fixation of mandibular parasymphyseal and angle fractures.
OBJECTIVE
This study was carried out to evaluate clinical and radiologic results after lag-screw fixation (LSF) of mandibular parasymphyseal and angular fractures was performed.


METHODS
Seven angle and 17 parasymphyseal fractures in 23 adult patients with mandibular fractures were treated by transoral reduction and LSF. Clinical and radiologic examinations were undertaken during a 3-month follow-up period


RESULTS
All parasymphyseal fractures and four angular fractures went to good bone union after surgery. Infectious complications occurred in two patients with parasymphyseal fractures. These resolved with simple procedures. Three angular fractures needed refixing because of instability. Slight occlusal adjustment was needed in five patients. Postoperative neurosensory deficits were transient in every case in which they were seen.


CONCLUSIONS
LSF of mandibular parasymphyseal fractures is a practical and effective way of fixing such fractures internally. It leads to good bone healing without permanent neurosensory deficit or increased risk of malocclusion. In mandibular angle fractures LSF is likely to be too technique-sensitive to allow its extensive use.
Kallela
I
I
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Ilzuka
T
T
Laine
P
P
Lindqvist
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged