Fixation of mandible fractures: a simplified method.
BACKGROUND
Many mandible fractures can be treated effectively with closed methods. The authors describe a simple method, with the use of commercial cable ties, to obtain maxillary-mandibular fixation (MMF). This technique can be effectively employed to treat certain mandible fractures.


OBJECTIVE
A simple, safe and cost-effective method for treating mandible fractures by employing commercial cable ties to obtain MMF was developed. A clinical prospective study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of this technique.


METHODS
Twenty consecutive patients were enrolled into this study. MMF was obtained with cable ties. The study group was evaluated according to occlusion, clinical outcome, discomfort level and complications.


RESULTS
Ninety percent of patients had normal occlusion after treatment. All fractures were clinically united. Seventy percent described their discomfort level as moderate during placement of the cable ties. The majority of patients experienced minimal discomfort both during MMF (95%), and with the removal of the cable ties (90%). No major complications occurred. Early loosening of MMF occurred in three patients with resultant subjective malocclusion in two of these.


CONCLUSIONS
Employing commercial cable ties to obtain MMF for the treatment of certain mandible fractures is safe, simple, effective and cost-effective.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Port Elizabeth Hospital Complex. chris@plasticsurgerype.co.za
J C
JC
van der Walt
F R
FR
Graewe
C
C
McIntosh
D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies