[The use of intermaxillary fixation screws in the management of jaw fractures].
48 patients with fractures of the jaw bones were included in this study. Intermaxillary fixation screws were used for tractions between the upper and lower jaw and to regain occlusion relationship, followed by internal rigid fixation. Two days after reduction of the fractures, intermaxillary tractions were carried out and the fixation screws remained for 2 weeks. All the wounds healed primarily with good occlusion. The wounds for screw placement healed well 3 to 5 days after removal of the screws. Excellent occlusion recovered in 45 patients, while in 3 patients, mild open bite developed which returned to normal after 2 weeks of intermaxillary tractions. It is concluded that intermaxillary fixation screws are time saving and efficient in the management of jaw fractures.
Liu
Ji-hong
JH
Department of Stomatology, Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou 311200, Zhejiang Province, China. liuxstcm@yahoo.com.cn
Tang
Li-fang
LF
Pan
Xiang-qing
XQ
Jin
Can
C
Shi
Chun-hua
CH
Han
Yi-ming
YM
D001863:Bone Screws; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques; D007572:Jaw Fractures / Q000601:surgery*