The development of plate osteosynthesis for the treatment of fractures of the mandibular body - a literature review.
OBJECTIVE
Today plate and screw osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures is a standard procedure in routine clinical practice. In this review, the breakthroughs and drawbacks of the development of this important aspect of maxillofacial surgery are followed-up.


METHODS
Medline search of relevant English and German literature.


RESULTS
In 1886, Carl Hansmann was the first who applied steel screws and plates. Until today the material, the types of plates and applications have been continually improved. Over the last two decades miniplate osteosynthesis has induced a revolution in mandibular fracture treatment. The modern systems provide better handling, higher stability and less pressure on the bone.


CONCLUSIONS
Modern miniplates have great advantages, like the intra-oral approach and the easy adaptability. In addition, it is no longer necessary to expose bone as extensively.
Sauerbier
Sebastian
S
Department of Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. sebastian.sauerbier@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Schön
Ralf
R
Otten
Jörg-Elard
JE
Schmelzeisen
Rainer
R
Gutwald
Ralf
R
D001860:Bone Plates; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008904:Miniaturization