title: Treatment of mandibular fractures with rigid osteosynthesis: using the AO system.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated the results achieved in the surgical treatment of all mandibular fractures at two university centers using the 2.7 AO mandibular system.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 227 patients presenting with 180 single fractures and 47 with double fractures (274 osteosyntheses) were included in this prospective study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During a mean follow-up of 27.5 months (minimum, 12 months), an overall complication rate of 7% was observed. No infection justified early removal of the osteosynthesis material.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The systematic use of the technique recommended by AO for treating mandibular fractures, performed by thoroughly experienced operators on a compliant population, results in a low rate of complications and an early return to normal function.
authors.affiliation: Maxillo-facial Surgery Division, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jaques
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arza
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000601:surgery; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000209:etiology; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000209:etiology; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010243:Paralysis / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D014090:Tooth Replantation; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve