title: Use of a custom designed external fixator system to treat ballistic injuries to the mandible.
abstract: The authors describe a custom designed mandibular external fixator II system that can be used to treat complex, comminuted fractures. The system is adjustable and lightweight, quick, robust, simple to apply, and allows mouth opening during healing, It is well suited to use in the modern war surgery environment. The authors present a case of successful treatment of a ballistic fracture of the mandible using this device.
authors.affiliation: Peterborough Military District Hospital Unit, Peterborough, UK.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Gibbons
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mackenzie
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Breederveld
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001858:Bone Nails; D001863:Bone Screws; D001864:Bone Wires; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008889:Military Personnel; D009055:Mouth / Q000502:physiology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000601:surgery*