title: Splint-assisted reduction of comminuted or complex maxillofacial fractures.
abstract: The aim of the study was to obtain anatomic bone healing and restoration of the patient's premorbid occlusion in complex facial fractures or comminuted facial fracture. Ten patients who applied to a tertiary health care clinic with complex or comminuted fractures, and mandibular fractures combined with condylar fractures which may impair the occlusal harmony were included in the study.After the preparation of premorbid occlusal splints and direct bonded orthodontic brackets, splint-assisted reduction and internal fixation have been performed. The treatment protocol was completed with 4 to 6 weeks of intermaxillary fixation over the splint. All fracture lines showed complete bone healing, without major complications requiring further treatment. Complications included a minor degree of malocclusion in one of the panfacial fracture patients and slight avascular resorption of the condyle in one of the avulsive open comminuted mandibular fracture patients.Using orthodontic splints and direct bonded brackets to obtain and maintain delicate reduction is an efficacious method for the prevention of occlusal disharmony and aesthetic impairments in comminuted lower facial unit and complicated facial fracture patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hacettepe University Medical School, Samanpazari, Ankara, Turkey. konas@hacettepe.edu.tr
authors.forename: Ersoy
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Konaş
authors.forename: Gökhan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tunçbilek
authors.forename: Aycan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kayikçioğlu
authors.forename: Cenk Ahmet
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Akcan
authors.forename: Ilken
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kocadereli
authors.forename: Mehmet Emin
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Mavili
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000209:etiology; D001863:Bone Screws; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery*; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000209:etiology; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008336:Mandibular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult