title: External fixation for mandible fractures.
abstract: External fixation of mandible fractures is a useful technique when an open treatment is contraindicated because of extensive comminution, bone or soft tissue loss, and infection. This technique can also be used temporarily until definitive treatment is delivered. A uniphasic or biphasic system can be placed to reduce and stabilize mandibular fractures. These systems use surgically placed threaded pins and different types of connectors that can be manipulated to optimize the reduction of fractures. External fixation remains a quick, safe, and simple method to treat mandible fractures in selected clinical situations, and it should be part of the armamentarium in surgeons treating these injuries and fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 110 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07103-2400, USA. braidyhf@umdnj.edu
authors.forename: Hani F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Braidy
authors.forename: Vincent B
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Ziccardi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001858:Bone Nails; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000209:etiology; D004868:Equipment Failure; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000209:etiology; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D061221:Trigeminal Nerve Injuries; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000150:complications; D055815:Young Adult