A short period of maxillomandibular fixation for treatment of fractures of the mandibular tooth-bearing area.
OBJECTIVE
This study was aimed to determine whether a short period of maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) followed by an arch bar splint wired to the lower jaw is a suitable alternative to conventional MMF for treatment of fractures of the mandibular tooth-bearing area.


METHODS
Thirty patients with mandibular fractures associated with no other facial fractures were selected. They were randomly assigned into 2 groups for treatment with conventional MMF (group A) and MMF for a short period of 2 weeks followed by an arch bar splint wired to the lower jaw (group B). Complications were recorded and post-treatment maximum interincisal mouth opening was measured at 1 week and 3 and 6 months. Age and gender-matched control groups were randomly selected. Groups were then compared for significant differences. A value of P < .05 was considered significant.


RESULTS
The 2 patient groups were not significantly different in relation to site and cause of fracture (P =.995 and P = .682, respectively), the mean time from injury to MMF (P = .234), and the mean time required for fracture healing (P = .315). Delayed union and nonunion were not encountered, and there were no significant differences in relation to postoperative infection ( P = 1) and malocclusion (P = .598). When compared with group A patients, group B patients had an early significantly greater degree in mouth opening (P = .001); at no time was there a significant difference in the degree of mouth opening between group B patients and the control group (1 week, P = .079; 3 months, P = .166; 6 months, P = .378).


CONCLUSIONS
In selected cases, a short period of MMF followed by an arch bar splint wired to the lower jaw is a suitable alternative to conventional MMF for treatment of fractures of the mandibular tooth-bearing area. The method is effective and significantly reduces the potential adverse effects of long-term MMF.
Oral Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt. albelasy@netscape.net
Fouad A
FA
Al-Belasy
D000328:Adult; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000601:surgery*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013165:Splints; D013997:Time Factors