title: Treatment of mandible fractures using resorbable plates with a mean of 3 weeks maxillomandibular fixation: a prospective study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study, a 2.5-mm resorbable plating system (Inion CPS, Tampere Finland) was assessed for the fixation of mandibular fractures with 3 weeks of maxillomandibular fixation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty mandibular fractures in 34 patients (32 males, 2 females) with a mean of 20.8 days of maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) were included in this study. The 2.5-mm resorbable plates were adapted along Champy's line of ideal osteosynthesis and secured with four 8 × 2.5 mm monocortical resorbable screws. All patients were followed for a minimum of 6 weeks with an average long-term follow-up of 10 months. The incidence of soft tissue infection, nonunion, malunion, malocclusion, osteomyelitis, nerve injury, and tooth damage was prospectively assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Primary bone healing was achieved in 100% of cases. Ten minor complications (20%) were observed: 5 soft tissue infections (10%), 4 plate dehiscences (8%), and 1 malocclusion (2%). No evidence of malunion, nonunion, osteomyelitis, plate fracture, or iatrogenic dental or nerve injury was noted; no readmission or reoperation was necessary.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Inion 2.5-mm resorbable plating system along Champy's line of ideal osteosynthesis plus 3 weeks of MMF is a viable option for the treatment of mandible fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kings County Hospital Center/SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA. davidevazquez@hotmail.com
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Vázquez-Morales
authors.forename: Donita
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dyalram-Silverberg
authors.forename: Stewart K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Lazow
authors.forename: Julius R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Berger
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D016896:Treatment Outcome