Transoral 2.0-mm miniplate fixation of mandibular fractures plus 2 weeks' maxillomandibular fixation: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a study to assess the efficacy of intraoral treatment of mandibular fractures using a 2.0-mm miniplate and 2 weeks of maxillomandibular fixation (MMF).


METHODS
Forty-four mandible fractures in 31 patients with a mean of 15 days of MMF were included in this study. A 2.0-mm miniplate was adapted along Champy's lines of ideal osteosynthesis and secured with four 8.0-mm monocortical screws. All patients were followed for at least 8 weeks after surgery. The incidences of bone or soft tissue infections, wound dehiscence, nonunion, malunion, malocclusion, plate fractures, and iatrogenic neurosensory deficits were prospectively evaluated.


RESULTS
Primary bone healing was achieved in 100% of cases. No soft or hard tissue infection, malocclusion, malunion, nonunion, dental injuries, plate fracture, or iatrogenic nerve injuries were observed. Two (4.52%) minor complications-intraoral wound dehiscences-were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a single 2.0-mm miniplate adapted along Champy's line of ideal osteosynthesis and stabilized with 4 monocortical screws plus 2 weeks of MMF was a viable treatment modality for mandibular fractures.
Bolourian
Reza
R
State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn/Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA. jrbolourian@msn.com
Lazow
Stewart
S
Berger
Julius
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D017759:Fractures, Malunited / Q000209:etiology; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000209:etiology; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008904:Miniaturization; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D018677:Tooth Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome