The lingual splint: an often forgotten method for fixating pediatric mandibular fractures.
Maxillofacial fractures are uncommon in the pediatric population, and their treatment is unique due to the psychological, physiological, developmental and anatomical characteristics of children. We present the case of a boy who was treated in an outpatient dental clinic using a lingual splint for the reduction, stabilization and fixation of a mandibular body fracture. This technique is a reliable, noninvasive procedure that dentists may consider in selected cases by referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. It also limits the discomfort and morbidity that can be associated with maxillomandibular fixation or open reduction and internal fixation in pediatric patients.
Pediatric Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada.
Abdulaziz
A
Binahmed
Claudio
C
Sansalone
Justin
J
Garbedian
George K B
GK
Sándor
D002648:Child; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000628:therapy*; D013165:Splints