title: Effect of maxillomandibular fixation on the incidence of postoperative pulmonary atelectasis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our goal was to assess the role of maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) on postoperative atelectasis.
  
  
  METHODS
  We examined 64 patients in 2 groups: MMF and non-MMF. Atelectasis was diagnosed by comparing preoperative and postoperative chest radiographs, arterial blood gas analysis, and axial temperatures. Postoperative chest computed tomography scans were also used as the best way to detect atelectasis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the MMF and non-MMF patients, 37.5% and 15.6%, respectively, sustained atelectasis (P <.05). Plate type was the most prevalent (71%). The right lung was more involved (59%). Fever was not a significant finding in atelectatic patients (P >.10). PaO(2) was decreased in some cases of atelectasis, especially in patients with extensive involvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MMF should be considered as a contributing factor for postoperative pulmonary atelectasis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Khatam-ol anbia Medical Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Faframiyan@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Fariborz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Aframian-Farnad
authors.forename: Fariba
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Savadkoohi
authors.forename: Mahkameh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Soleimani
authors.forename: Behzad
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Shahrokhnia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000009:adverse effects; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed