title: [Edentulous mandible fractures osteosynthesis].
abstract: The edentulous mandible fractures are rare representing less then 5% in the majority of series. Their treatment represents nevertheless a challenge. The bone atrophy that happens in this situation is related with the higher incidence of treatment complications demanding some special attention to the therapeutic options. In contrast with the dentulous mandibles, tension and compression zones are in close proximity, allowing the application of only one plate for the fracture treatment. It is preferable to use screws without pretapping, and the rule that the weaker the bone, the stronger the plate must be is used, associated with the cautious use of cancellous bone grafting whenever the atrophy is marked or some bone is missing. Only with these measures is possible to reduce.
authors.affiliation: Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica e Maxilo-Facial, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Lisboa.
authors.forename: Julio G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Matias
authors.forename: Miguel R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Andrade
authors.forename: Victor S R G
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Fernandes
mesh_terms: D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000150:complications*; D008334:Mandible; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*