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This paper presents the outcomes of a pediatric bilateral condylar fracture treated with intermaxillary fixation (IMF) and an occlusal stop.A 6-year-old girl presented with the complaint of pain on her chin. She had fallen down, whereas riding a bicycle and her face hit the road. She had limited mouth-opening (10 mm). Panoramic radiography and computed tomography confirmed a bilateral condylar fracture. The inclination of the fractured condyle (IFC) was 39.2° and 42.4° on the left and right sides, respectively. On the third post-trauma day, arch bars were applied and IMF was performed with a prefabricated wafer (occlusal stop) and rubber bands. The rubber bands were changed to wires on post-IMF day (PMF) 4.Immediately after IMF, the IFCs increased (left: 50.1° and right: 68.1°). On PMF 1, the IFCs had improved (44.5° and 46.9°, respectively). On PMF 3, 12, 28, and 35, the left and right IFCs were 46.9° and 70.7°, 38.9° and 72.0°, 38.0° and 56.5°, and 36.4° and 44.6°, respectively. On PMF 42, the IFCs had changed to 34.5° and 36.1°, and wires were changed to rubber bands. On PMF 49, the IFCs were 34.0° and 36.5°, and rubber bands were applied at night only. On PMF 56, the IFCs had improved to 35.0° and 34.8°, and the arch bars were removed. The changes of IFC were fitted to an exponential regression model (left: y = 44.134e-0.005x and right: y = 11.378e-0.043x).This case shows that pediatric bilateral mandibular condyle fractures can be treated by vertical lengthening using an occlusal stop and IMF.

Study Design: Fractures of the mandibular condyle are a common injury in maxillofacial trauma. Both conservative treatment (i.e., analgesic therapy and soft diet) and intermaxillary fixation (IMF) or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) have satisfactory and functional outcomes, though severe late-onset complications have been reported. Objective: We compared the long-term complications of patients with condylar fractures treated conservatively, with IMF, or with combined ORIF and IMF. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral condylar fracture, isolated or combined with a fracture of the mandibular body, admitted to the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery at UZ Leuven between January 2013 and January 2020. We collected data on age, gender, side of condylar fracture, presence of associated fracture of the mandibular body, referrals, initial treatment, long-term complications and secondary treatment. Long-term complications were defined as sequelae still present 6 weeks after initial treatment. Results: Among 192 patients, 68.8% had unilateral and 31.2% bilateral condylar fractures; an associated fracture of the mandibular body was seen in 45.8%, 31% received conservative treatment, 51% IMF only, and 18% combined ORIF and IMF. Forty-eight percent of all patients suffered from 1 or more long-term complications, most frequently malocclusion (24%), reduced mouth opening (15.1%), nerve disturbances (13.5%), pain (8.9%), and facial asymmetry (2.6%). Surgery as a secondary treatment was necessary in 25% of all cases. Conclusions: The presence of bilateral condylar fractures or associated fracture of the mandibular body is a risk factor for developing long-term complications. Most patients with long-term complications were initially treated with combined ORIF and IMF, but long-term complications after initial conservative or IMF treatment were treated with secondary surgery.

Background To describe a technical feature that increases the stability of the intermediate splint in patients where bimaxillary surgery with great maxillary/mandibular advancements are planned. Material and Methods Prospective evaluation of the intermediate splint dental vertical penetration in patients undergoing bimaxillary surgery where great sagittal discrepancy occur in the anterior sector between the upper and lower jaws when the intermediate splint is placed by adding an extra intermaxillary fixation (IMF) screw (2x9 mm) placed between the central incisors of the maxilla and fixed to the most anterior aspect of the intermediate splint following the direction of the sagittal maxillo-mandibular discrepancy from January to September 2018. Results The postoperative evaluation comparing the accuracy of conventional fixation versus fixation with an extra anterior anchorage point through photographic assessment and intraoral digital scanner demonstrated better dental penetration, and therefore improved intermediate splint precision with the latter in all cases Conclusions Our results suggest that this is a simple and safe technique that can be easily reproduced and optimizes the outcomes by increasing the accuracy of translation of the planned surgical movements to the operating room. Key words:Orthognathic surgery, intermediate splint, accuracy, intermaxillary fixation, bone screw.

Purpose The use of rigid versus semi-rigid intermaxillary fixation (IMF) following subcondylar fractures is controversial. This study aims to investigate whether the “dynamic” elastic fixation technique improves the outcomes, compared to the rigid fixation technique for the treatment of displaced subcondylar fractures in adults. Materials and Methods This nonblinded randomized clinical trial was performed on adult patients with unilateral displaced mandibular subcondylar fractures. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 17). The primary predictor variable was wire versus elastic IMF. Changes in primary (mouth opening) and secondary (other clinical and radiological) outcomes were recorded. Data were analyzed with the t test and Mann-Whitney test with SPSS software version 20. P-value Results In this study 34 patients (with mean age of 33.03 ± 1.79, 23.5% females & 76.5% males) in two groups (Elastics & Wire) followed up to 6 months. The Elastics group showed significant improvement in mouth opening (primary outcome) after 1 month of follow-up, but the differences were not significant at the end of the study. In terms of secondary outcomes, the ramus height shortening compared to the opposite side revealed favorable improvement in the Elastics group in the period of study. The differences between the two groups in the lateral movement and protrusive movement were significant in favor of the Elastics group. The differences in pain, fracture displacement, and midline deviation between study groups were not significant at the end of the study. Just 1 case with malocclusion was observed in the Wire group. Patients were more satisfied with dynamic nonrigid IMF with elastics. Conclusions The results of this study showed that using the dynamic IMF technique is more tolerable, and patients have better functional and clinical outcomes during and at the end treatment.

Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Objective: Maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) is a step of paramount importance during the management of maxillofacial trauma. Erich arch bars are being used for this purpose for decades but with advances in maxillofacial trauma management, intermaxillary fixation screws came into existence and are being used routinely. The present study was designed to identify if the intermaxillary fixation screws are really an alternative to Erich arch bars for management of maxillofacial trauma. Methodology: An exhaustive literature search was conducted in May 2020 on various electronic databases and studies comparing Erich arch bars and intermaxillary fixation screws were recruited for the analysis. Random-effects model with Mantel Haenszel statistics was used to analyze oral hygiene and duration of achieving MMF. Results: A total of 96 studies were identified, out of which 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in oral hygiene status of the patients in both the groups. Intermaxillary fixations screws required statistically significantly less time in achieving MMF. Needle stick injury was prominently seen with the use of Erich arch bar whereas other complications like mucosal coverage, root injury, screw loosening and screw fracture makes the use of intermaxillary fixation screws questionable. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggests that there is not enough evidence to recommend the use of intermaxillary fixation screws as an alternative to Erich arch bars. Further research with large sample size, high quality evidence and better methodology is recommended in this direction.

Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) screws are commonly used for maxillomandibular immobilization in the management of mandible fractures as definitive closed reduction treatment or in adjunct intraoperatively. In this report, we present three cases of isolated unilateral mandible fractures, in which IMF screws were used and resulted in propagation of a second fracture on the contralateral side, at the site where IMF screws were placed during the surgery. The use of IMF screws has many advantages with an overall low risk of morbidity, however, there are potential complications that must be recognized.

INTRODUCTION The success of surgery first approach has been defined by the number of advantages offered and is definitively determined by the satisfaction of the patients themselves. The strength of this protocol resides in its philosophy that puts the patient at the center of the whole diagnostic-therapeutic process. The compliance of the patient, its happiness and comfort are the best guarantee of a good final results. While pursuing this philosophy we have wondered whether there was way to increase the comfort of surgery first approach even more and to make it even more appealing for the patients. For these reasons, we have decided to work on a preliminary protocol in order to reduce or even eliminate the use of orthodontic braces and wires during perioperative stages. Materials and Methods: No orthodontic braces or wires are bonded on the teeth before surgery. Intraoperatory intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is carried out with the use of IMF screws which are positioned at the beginning of the operation on the edge between keratinized and nonkeratinized gingiva. Once the osteotomies are performed IMF with IMF screws is carried out on the planned occlusion with the use of surgical splints.Discussion and Conclusions: In selected cases the postsurgical orthodontic treatment can be carried out with the use of clear aligners, completely eliminating the need of braces and wires with an additional level of comfort.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare body weight loss between postoperative intermaxillary fixation with metal wire and elastic traction and to investigate factors related to body weight loss after orthognathic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were 59 patients with dentofacial deformity, comprising 31 patients treated with intermaxillary fixation (IMF) and 28 patients treated with elastic traction without IMF (ELT) just after surgery. Body weight loss was measured at 1 week (T1) and 2 weeks (T2) after surgery. Body weight loss was compared between IMF and ELT, and factors related to body weight loss were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Body weight loss ratio was significantly increased in IMF (2.6%) rather than in ELT (1.4%) at T1, but only tended to be increased in both groups at T2, showing no statistical difference. Body weight loss ratio was significantly increased at T2 compared to T1 in both groups. Body weight loss was significantly greater at T2 than at T1. CONCLUSION: Both IMF and ELT cause body weight loss after orthognathic surgery, but IMF causes body weight loss earlier than ELT and increased early body weight loss increases continuous body weight loss after orthognathic surgery.

This paper presents the outcomes of a conservative approach to greenstick condylar fracture treatment in a child. Serial changes of the inclination angle were measured in a greenstick fracture of the mandibular subcondyle treated with intermaxillary fixation (IMF).A 7-year-old girl presented with the complaint of pain on her chin. She had fallen from a 3-m height and hit her face on the floor. She had limited mouth-opening of one finger breadth. Panoramic radiography and computed tomography confirmed a green-stick (incomplete) fracture of the right condyle, in which the lateral side of the bone was fractured and the medial side was bent. The medial inclination was approximately 67.9°. On the second posttrauma day, IMF was performed using arch-bars and a prefabricated occlusal stop. Serial Town's views were taken. The inclination of the fractured condyle was measured and compared with the contralateral side. The difference in inclination angles (DI) between the fractured and contralateral sides was plotted over time. In SPSS version 19.0, an exponential regression model was constructed.In this child, a green-stick (incomplete) fracture of the condyle (68.0° inclination) was treated with IMF and a prefabricated occlusal stop. On day 321 post-IMF, the inclination angle had decreased to 31.1°, only 6.8° greater than the contralateral side. The DI was fitted to an exponential regression model (y = 37.019e-0.006x, R2 = 0.703, P

Background The preemptive use of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids and NSAIDs, has the potential to reduce pain, swelling and trismus following oral surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of dexamethasone and ketorolac tromethamine in reducing pain, swelling and trismus after mandibular third molar removal. Material and Methods The researches implemented a triple-blind, randomized clinical trial. The study was conducted with ASA I individuals aging between 18 and 35 years, which were randomized and submitted to two interventions, one with 8mg dexamethasone and the other with 20mg ketorolac tromethamine given 1h before the procedure. The primary predictor variable was the use of dexamethasone or ketorolac. The primary outcome variable was the postoperative pain level, measured with a Visual Analogue Scale. The secondary outcome variables were the amount of rescue analgesic consumed, swelling and trismus. Repeated-measures ANOVA and t-test for paired samples were used to compare the means. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Fifty individuals were randomized and allocated to intervention, and the sample was composed of 40 subjects who completed the study (27 female and 13 male). Dexamethasone, when compared to ketorolac tromethamine, showed a significantly higher reduction in pain level at 8h, 16h, 24h, 32h, 40h and 72h, in swelling and trismus at 24h, 48h, 72h and 7 days and in total number of rescue analgesics taken up to 72h postoperative (p < 0.05). Conclusions The clinical performance of dexamethasone in controlling pain, swelling and trismus after mandibular third molar removal was superior to ketorolac tromethamine’s. Key words:Third Molar, anti-inflammatory agents, dexamethasone, ketorolac.

This study sought to estimate patient-reported outcomes and compare quality-of-life (QOL) measures between patients electing for either open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or closed reduction with intermaxillary fixation (CRIMF).This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with unilateral condyle fractures who had undergone either ORIF or CRIMF at the New York University Tisch Hospital and Bellevue Hospital Center. The primary study predictor was treatment choice (ORIF or CRIMF). Other study predictors were patient age, gender, and the presence of any other coexisting facial fractures. The 9 study outcomes were derived from an 11-item postoperative QOL questionnaire evaluating self-reported perceptions of pain and function. Univariate comparisons and multivariate regression models were calculated.A total of 38 patients (21 CRIMF and 17 ORIF) comprised the study sample. All patients were eligible for either ORIF or CRIMF, and the choice of treatment was decided through shared decision making after a comprehensive discussion of risks and benefits. With respect to pain outcomes, patients who underwent ORIF reported lower overall pain scores at 2 weeks (P .01) and 2 months (P = .01), less mastication pain at 3 months (P = .01), and a lower rate of persistent headaches after 6 weeks (P = .04). With respect to functional outcomes, patients who underwent ORIF reported better range of motion at 3 months (P = .01), less treatment-related weight loss (P = .01), and more ease when performing physical (P .01) and work-related (P .01) activities. In the multivariate regression models, ORIF was independently associated with decreased pain at 2 weeks (P .01) and decreased difficulty in obtaining nutrition (P .01), performing physical activities (P = .02), and performing work-related activities (P .01).Patients who underwent ORIF appeared to experience subjective favorable pain and functional QOL outcomes. Given the clinical controversy, the choice of treatment should synthesize patient-reported outcomes and be approached through shared decision making.

Purpose In this study, eight different fixation methods applied after sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) were compared experimentally. Materials and methods SSRO was performed to 48 sheep hemimandibles in eight groups of 6 each. Group A- a four hole standard miniplate; Group B- a four hole standard miniplate and one bicortical screw; Group C-a four hole locking plate; Group D-a four hole locking plate and one bicortical screw; Group E-a six hole straight miniplate; Group F-a six hole straight miniplate and one bicortical screw; Group G- a sliding plate, which was specifically designed for SSRO; Group H- sliding plate and one bicortical screw. Results In terms of measured values of displacement, the highest degrees of displacement were observed in decreasing order in Groups G, C, A, and E. The least displacement values were detected in Groups H, F, D and B with values being very close to each other. For linear force applied up to 70N, 3 mm or higher displacement values were not seen in any fixation system. Conclusion According to the results of study, all systems are suitable for clinic usage. However, intermaxillary fixation or functional elastics may be needed for sliding plate systems during the healing period of hard tissue.

Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is a fundamental principle in the management of mandibular fractures but with recent advent of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), use of IMF is almost limited intraoperatively. Therefore, we compared the efficacy of Erich arch bar versus embrasure wires for intraoperative IMF in mandibular fractures. This prospective study was comprised of 50 patients with mandibular fractures who required ORIF with intraoperative IMF. Patients were categorized into two groups of 25 patients each: Erich arch bar technique was used for group A and embrasure wire technique for group B. Parameters were time taken for IMF, needle stick injury, occlusal stability, iatrogenic complications, and periodontal status of patients. Chi-squared test and unpaired t test analyses was run on IBM SPSS 21.0 version (2015) software. Mean time for placing embrasure wire (3.48 min) was significantly less than that for Erich arch bar (48.08 min). Needle stick injury rates to the operator as well as the assistants were significantly less when using the embrasure wire than the Erich arch bar. The Erich arch bar had significantly superior postoperative occlusion stability. Iatrogenic injury was more common when placing the Erich arch bar than the embrasure wire. Postoperative oral hygiene status was good in patients that received the embrasure wire. Embrasure wire technique is a quick, easy, and reliable technique for minimally or moderately displaced fractured mandible and had better clinical outcomes than did patients that underwent the Erich arch bar technique.

The aim of this prospective study was to appraise the role of embrasure wiring in the treatment of mandibular fractures over the arch bar as adjunctive techniques of maxillomandibular fixation (MMF). This study was conducted on 40 patients who were surgically treated for mandibular fractures with accessory use of MMF (embrasure: group A vs. arch bars: group B). All patients were evaluated for demographic data, etiology, and location of fracture. Characteristically, the complications, including wire injury, infection, and malocclusion, were recorded. The data were analyzed using Student's t-test and chi-square test as appropriate. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05). In this study, data from 40 patients were included. In group A (embrasure wiring), time required for placement of MMF was significantly less than (7.85 ± 0.81 minutes) that in group B, and also there was less incidence of wire prick to the operator in group A than in group B ( p < 0.05). However, in terms of wire prick and malocclusion, no statistically significant difference was noted in groups A and B ( p > 0.05). Patient treated with embrasure wiring intermaxillary fixation had better outcomes especially in terms of time of placement and less incidence of wire prick injury when compared with arch bar.

The aim of this letter is to present the surgical experience obtained from a patient, in whom the proximal segment was better manipulated for precise alignment after application of the intermaxillary fixation screw.

This study aimed to investigate the postoperative longitudinal skeletal changes and stability following intraoral vertical ramus osteotomies (IVRO) for orthognathic mandibular setback, and the possible risk factors that might affect the stability. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Lateral cephalograms were analyzed for the predictor (magnitude of setback and adjunctive procedures) and outcome (stability of vertical and horizontal dimensions) variables at six time points. A total of 152 patients (mean age 24.2 years) were included in the study. Following IVRO, the mandible measured at B-point had moved a mean 0.50mm posteriorly at 1 week after the removal of intermaxillary fixation (7 weeks postoperative); this was followed by progressive small anterior relapse. At 2 years postoperative, the mean relapse of the mandible after IVRO measured at B-point was 0.05mm (standard deviation 1.14mm), representing 0.7% of the mean surgical movement. Large setback (8mm) showed significantly higher relapse compared to small setback (4mm) at 2 years after surgery (P=0.021). Patients who underwent adjunctive mandibular surgeries other than IVRO showed no significant differences in relapse compared to those who underwent IVRO alone. In conclusion, IVRO for mandibular setback is a stable procedure in the long term, with small relapse of 0.05mm after 2 years.

Purpose The aim of the present systematic review was to determine whether closed treatment (CLT) with intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is superior or equivalent to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the management of unilateral displaced subcondylar fractures regarding the range of mandibular motion. Materials and Methods To address our question, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the reported data after a comprehensive manual and electronic database search of studies reported up to 2017 in the English language that had compared CLT and ORIF of mandibular condyle fractures in adults. The following outcomes were recorded: maximum interincisal opening (MIO), protrusive movement (PM), lateral excursion toward the fractured side (LEFS), and lateral excursion toward the nonfractured side (LENFS). Results The search resulted in 8 studies, 4 of which were included in the meta-analysis. The MIO and PM showed no statistically significant differences, with an effect size of −0.823 (P = .112) and −0.633 (P = .079), respectively. However, the LEFS and LENFS were superior after CLT, with an effect size of −0.710 (P = .031) and −0.682 (P = .017), respectively. Conclusions The findings from the present review suggest that both ORIF and CLT can provide comparable MIO and PM in subjects with unilateral displaced subcondylar fractures. However, CLT was superior to ORIF for both LEFS and LENFS.

The submental intubation is a well-described technique as an alternative for the tracheostomy in the airway management in patients with contraindications for the nasotracheal and cannot remain in the orotracheal position due to the need to maintain the intermaxillary fixation. Residents and young oral and maxillofacial surgeons could have experienced some difficulty performing the technique first described by Altemir (1986). This report aims to describe a new device designed to facilitate and simplify the technique helping surgeons on the submental endotracheal intubation.

We evaluated 78 patients who had intermaxillary fixation (IMF) of fractured mandibular condyles with arch bars and wires. Depending on whether the wires were bent apically or occlusally during placement of the arch bars, we randomly divided the patients into two groups (n=39 in each), then compared pain, satisfaction with oral hygiene, and complications between the groups at five to six weeks postoperatively when the arch bars were removed. Outcomes were significantly better in the occlusal group than in the apical group.

Purpose To compare 3 types of intermaxillary fixation (IMF) and their behavior when subjected to tension forces in 3 study models with a palatine fracture feature. Materials and Methods An experimental study of 3 identical acrylic models was performed. All had the same palatine fracture pattern on the maxillary midline. All were reduced with different IMF methods (ie, direct interdental wiring, Erich arch bars, and self-tapping screws). Tension forces were applied to the study models to observe the fracture line behavior. Results IMF with direct interdental wiring did not cause significant separation of the fracture feature in the anterior or posterior sector. IMF with the Erich arch bars caused a 2-mm separation in the anterior sector and 0 mm in the posterior sector. The IMF with self-tapping screws caused a 3-mm separation in the anterior sector and 1 mm in the posterior sector. Conclusions IMF using self-tapping screws resulted in the greatest separation of the fracture compared with the results with Erich arch bars and direct interdental wiring. IMF with self-tapping screws tended to displace the fracture lines by application of the vector furthest from the center of resistance.

AIM: Comparative evaluation of efficacy of conventional arch bar, intermaxillary fixation screws, and modified arch bar with respect to plaque accumulation, time required for procedure, postoperative stability after achieving the intermaxillary fixation, mucosal growth, and complication encountered for intermaxillary fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a randomized clinical trial in which participants were divided into three groups of 10 each, and designated as Group A, Group B, and Group C. In Group A, intermaxillary fixation was achieved by the conventional method using Erich arch bar, fastened with 26-gauge stainless-steel wires. In Group B, intermaxillary fixation was achieved by the use of 2 mm × 8 mm 4–6 stainless-steel intermaxillary fixation screws. In Group C, intermaxillary fixation was achieved by modified screw arch bar. A conventional arch bar was modified by making perforations in the spaces between the winglets along the entire extension of the bar which was then adapted to the vestibular surface of the maxilla and mandible, close to the cervical portion of the teeth, and perforations were made in the inter-radicular spaces with a 1.1-mm bur, and after this, 1.5-mm screws were placed to fix the bar. RESULTS: In the present study, a total of 30 patients were analyzed. The average working time for Group A, Group B, and Group C were 110, 16, and 29 min respectively. Oral hygiene scores through modified Turskey Gilmore plaque index which was taken at immediate postoperative, 15, 30, and at 45 days. Maximum hygiene was maintained in intermaxillary fixation screw group followed by modified arch bar group and conventional arch bar group. Maximum stability was seen in the conventional arch bar group followed by modified arch bar group and intermaxillary fixation screw group. With respect to mucosal coverage, maximum mucosal growth was seen in intermaxillary fixation screws group. When complications were taken into consideration, maximum complications were reported in Group A followed by Group B and Group C. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes that the use of modified arch bar is quick and easy method than conventional arch bar with least chances of glove puncture and needle stick injury to the operator. Oral hygiene maintenance is comparatively better in patients with modified arch bar than with conventional arch bars. Modified arch bar was significantly stable when compared with IMF screws, and therefore, for the patients who require long-term intermaxillary fixation, modified arch bars can be a viable option.

Purpose The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of the design and fabrication of a novel arch bar using 3-dimensional printing. Furthermore, the study assessed its use in a preliminary clinical study of intermaxillary fixation. Patients and Methods Seven patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the present study. Plaster dental casts were created of each patient and scanned using cone-beam computed tomography to obtain digital casts. Computer-aided design software was then used to complete the virtual building of the arch bars, which were manufactured using 3-dimensional printing and a cobalt-chrome alloy. The clinical results were observed after the arch bars were fixed to the dentition with steel wires. Results The arch bar contacted the dentition with a “surface-to-surface” pattern. The utility of these novel arch bars was verified by successfully fitting them to the dental arches of the patients. All the patients achieved their desired occlusion. Conclusion The results of the present study have illustrated that this digital method is feasible for constructing a novel arch bar, showing promise for clinical use.

This study aimed to validate the usefulness of lidocaine gel during intermaxillary fixation using arch bars in patients with mandible fracture by comparing 2 patient groups: one group using lidocaine gel in intermaxillary fixation and the other group undergoing traditional local infiltration.Subjects were patients with mandible fracture undergoing intermaxillary fixation using arch bars from March 2003 to February 2007. Twenty-three patients were anesthetized in the upper and lower gingiva by 2% local lidocaine solution injection; another 23 underwent topical anesthesia with 2% lidocaine hydrochloride gel applied to the upper and lower gingiva. The convenience of fixation was measured in terms of operation time and degree of pain according to the visual analog scale; arch bar loosening rate was assessed postoperatively.The mean operation times were 63 and 47 minutes in the groups undergoing local infiltration and using topical lidocaine gel, respectively. For pain degree according to the visual analog scale, the mean scores were 6.4 and 3.2 in the groups using local infiltration and topical lidocaine gel, respectively. When the arch bar loosening rate was measured postoperatively, the 2 groups differed significantly, with a rate of 26% in the group using local infiltration and 13% in the group using topical lidocaine gel.Application of topical lidocaine gel during intermaxillary fixation using arch bars in patients with mandible fracture relieves pain and offers convenience in performing the procedure. It can be a useful alternative method for patients who are sensitive to pain or have needle phobia.

Purpose Titanium arch bars that are directly fixated to the maxilla and mandible with self-drilling locking screws combine features of Erich arch bars and bone-supported devices and present an alternative method of intermaxillary fixation (IMF) that possesses potential advantages over existing techniques. The objective of this study was to compare IMF using this device with Erich arch bars secured with circum-dental wires. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed of patients who were surgically treated for mandibular fractures from 2012 through 2013. The primary predictor variable was fixation technique, which was IMF using Erich arch bars secured with circum-dental wires (group I) or titanium arch bars fixated with maxillary and mandibular screws (group II). The outcome variables were complication rates, time necessary for device application and removal, glove perforation rate, and cost. Statistical analysis was performed with InStat (GraphPad, Inc, La Jolla, CA) using the Fisher, χ 2 , or Mann-Whitney test, as appropriate. Results Twenty-five consecutive cases in group I and in group II were reviewed. There were 43 male patients (86%) and 7 female patients (14%) with a mean age of 28.4 years. Mean follow-up was 2.0 months. Overall complication rates for groups I and II were similar (16.0% vs 12.0%, respectively; P = 1.00). In group II, there were 3 instances of delayed wound healing at the sites of gingivobuccal incisions attributed to the close proximity of the arch bar eyelets. The time necessary for device application was faster in group II than in group I (42 vs 62 minutes, respectively; P = .02). Conclusions Bone-supported arch bars may be a comparable alternative to Erich arch bars secured with circum-dental wires for IMF. Careful planning of transoral incisions in relation to locking screw eyelets may help minimize wound complications.

Controversy has accompanied orthognathic surgery since its adaptation for the correction of dentofacial deformities. With the development of less invasive and less morbid osteotomy designs, questions regarding overall osteotomy stability have abounded. The transition from prolonged intermaxillary fixation and wire osteosynthesis to rigid internal fixation has spurred questions regarding the most effective fixation technique, and challenged previously accepted hierarchies of stability. These questions represent only the surface of a sea of debate and discussion, as measures have been taken to optimize patient outcome, minimize patient morbidity, and maximize operating room productivity.

After sawing in the intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy, in the case of an incomplete amputation, the proximal segment is split using the osteotome. Unfortunately, in this case, the proximal segment was accidentally fractured. The operation was completed without performing any other fixation. Postoperatively intermaxillary fixation was performed and kept for a week, followed by physical therapy, which was initiated immediately after. The patient was closely observed for 6 months. No abnormal findings were detected clinically, and the union of bone was verified.

Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is a basic and fundamental principle in the management of patients with fractures of the maxillomandibular complex. There are several shortcomings related to the conventionally recommended tooth-mounted devices that are used to achieve IMF. To circumvent these, the use of bone-borne screws has been advocated. We present a series of maxillary fractures treated with IMF screws. Over a 12-month period, 15 cases of maxillary fracture were managed with open reduction and bone plate fixation. IMF screws were used to achieve IMF intraoperatively and for a short duration postoperatively. Eight cortical titanium screws were inserted transmucosally, two for each quadrant at the junction of the attached and mobile mucosa. Satisfactory occlusion was achieved in all the patients with few complications. IMF screw fixation was observed to be a safe and quick method for open reduction of maxillary fractures. Tooth-borne devices are associated with problems such as poor oral hygiene and periodontal health, extrusion of teeth, loss of tooth vitality, traumatic ulcers of buccal and labial mucosa, and needle stick injury to the operator. These procedures are also time consuming. The use of cortical bone screws is a quicker and safe alternative for achieving satisfactory IMF.

The purpose of this study was to compare the time for placement and removal, the effect on the gingiva, and the operator safety of the Stryker Universal SMARTLock Hybrid MMF system (Stryker Craniomaxillofacial, Kalamazoo, MI) with traditional Erich arch bars.We designed a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial to compare the 2 types of arch bars. Patients with mandibular fractures presenting to our institution were enrolled in the study and randomized into 1 of 2 groups: the Erich arch bar group and the hybrid arch bar group. The primary outcome variable was arch bar placement time. Secondary outcomes were glove tears or penetrations during application, gingival appearance score at removal, loose hardware at removal, removal time, and glove tears or penetrations at removal. The groups were compared using t tests.We enrolled 90 patients in the study, with 43 randomized to the Erich arch bar group and 47 randomized to the hybrid arch bar group. The mean application time was 31.3 ± 9.3 minutes for Erich arch bars and 6.9 ± 3.1 minutes for hybrid arch bars (P .0001). Significantly more glove tears or penetrations occurred during application in the Erich Arch Bar group (0.56 ± 0.91 per application) than in the hybrid group (0.11 ± 0.32 per application) (P = .0025). At removal, no difference in overall gingival appearance or amount of loose hardware was noted. The time for removal was significantly less for the hybrid arch bar group (10.5 ± 5.1 minutes vs 17.9 ± 10.7 minutes, P = .0007).Hybrid arch bars with bone-borne locking screws offer a number of advantages over traditional Erich arch bars and circumdental wires, including shorter placement and removal times and a greater margin of safety for the operating surgeon as shown by significantly fewer glove tears and penetrations.

The study was done to compare the clinical efficacy of vacuum formed splints and arch bar in treating minimally displaced mandibular fractures.Forty patients were included in two groups. Group 1 was treated with custom made splints and group 2 with conventional arch bar. Patients were recalled on 3rd, 7th, 14th day and on the day of removal of the appliance. Periodontal status, stability of appliance and chair side time were evaluated.The mean chair side time taken by vacuum formed splint was 18.05 min and conventional arch bar fixation was 68.25 min. 8.3 % of patients with vacuum formed splints had poor oral hygiene in comparison with 25 % of patients with conventional arch bar. 70 % of patients with vacuum formed splints and 60 % of the patients with conventional arch bars were comfortable in mastication during treatment.Vacuum formed splints has better advantages over arch bar with respect to chair side time, periodontal health, patient's compliance of maintaining oral hygiene, mastication and speech. Vacuum formed splints avoid needle stick injuries. So, they can be used for intermaxillary fixation in minimally displaced mandibular fractures.

A prospective study was done to compare rigid intermaxillary fixation and guiding elastic for treatment of condylar fractures in pediatric patients. Sixty-one children younger than 12 years with condylar fractures were studied in 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 31 patients who were treated with arch bar and intermaxillary fixation for 7 to 12 days, and group 2 consisted of 30 patients who were treated with arch bar and elastics without rigid intermaxillary fixation. Patients had minimal function during treatment time, which lasted 7 to 12 days. Evaluation of deviation on opening between both groups (groups 1 and 2) with a χ test did not show any relationship between them. Incidence of temporomandibular dysfunction signs was 25.8% in group 1 patients and 23.3% in group 2 patients. Comparison of temporomandibular dysfunction signs in both treatment groups did not show a statistically significant relationship. Our study showed the same results using guiding elastics as using rigid intermaxillary fixation in pediatric condylar fractures. Guiding elastic is more tolerable, and children have function during treatment.

The main goal of treatment of mandibular fractures is to restore normal dental occlusion and promote appropriate bone healing and a normal mouth opening. Recently, there has been a resurgent interest in the use of screws for intermaxillary fixation of mandibular fractures. This study was therefore designed to determine how the clinical outcomes of the use of screws for intermaxillary fixation compare with the use of miniplates in the treatment of mandibular fractures in Nigeria.The objectives of this study are as follows: 1. To compare the clinical outcomes of the use of 2.0 mm × 9.0 mm screws for intermaxillary fixation with 2.0 mm noncompression miniplates in the treatment of simple unilateral mandibular fractures in Lagos, Nigeria 2. To determine the clinical outcomes in the use of 2.0 mm × 9.0 mm screws for intermaxillary fixation (IMF) and 2.0 mm noncompression miniplates in the treatment of simple unilateral mandibular fractures 3. To compare the complications associated with the use of 2.0 mm × 9.0 mm screws for IMF and 2.0 mm noncompression miniplates in the treatment of mandibular fractures METHODOLOGY: This randomized controlled clinical study was carried out at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the study institution. Subjects with simple unilateral mandibular fractures who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into the study (intermaxillary fixation screw) and control (miniplate) groups through balloting. Factors assessed and compared during and after the procedures included intraoperative pain, postoperative nerve impairment, postoperative occlusion, limitation of mouth opening, incidence of hardware failure, incidence of infection and non-union. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.A total of 56 subjects participated in the study, with 28 subjects in each group. Majority (91%) of the subjects were male. Road traffic crash was the highest aetiological factor while sport was the least (3.6%). A higher proportion (25.0%) of subjects in the miniplate group had major complications compared with 14.3% in the IMF screw group. There was no statistically significant association between site of mandibular fracture, time elapsed before treatment and complications (p 0.05). All cases of mandibular fractures healed successfully at 6 weeks.The use of screws for IMF is as effective as 2.0 mm noncompression miniplates in the treatment of simple unilateral mandibular fractures.

Mandibular osteotomies are usually required to treat craniomaxillofacial disorders. Losses of mandibular continuity result in esthetic and functional deficiency. During the past 30 years, the spread of the computer-assisted surgery techniques, rapid prototyping, and surgical navigation technique has improved the reliability and the outcomes of mandibular resections and reconstructions, by providing realtime feedback to surgeon. Recent studies reported the feasibility and the precision of surgical navigation applied to mandibular surgical resection and reconstruction with fibula flap but none of them describes a method to navigate the jaw allowing its full motility during the operation. To our knowledge, this is the first-time description of such a kind of method to navigate the jaw positioning the dynamic reference frame directly on the mandibular branch to maintain the full mobility of the mandible. The method described in our series has allowed an accurate surgical navigation of the jaw without the need of intermaxillary fixation. This technique could greatly facilitate resection and reconstructive surgical procedures of the jaw while ensuring precision and accuracy. The encouraging results obtained in the present report suggest to further investigate the possibilities of this technique to better define the method and its indications.

To compare and evaluate the effectiveness of 2.0 mm locking miniplates versus 2.0 mm standard miniplates in treatment of mandible fractures. Sixty randomly selected patients who sustained mandibular fractures were selected for this study. The fractured fragments were stabilized using 2.0 mm locking miniplates in 30 cases and in the remaining 30 cases the fractured fragments were fixed with conventional 2.0 mm miniplates. Post-operative stability was assessed with radiographs at 7th day, 1st, and 3rd months. The stability of the reduced fracture was assessed clinically and both the types of plates were assessed with an OPG or conventional radiographs. This study shows favorable results on use of locking miniplates in mandibular fractures. The results show that there were no significant differences in the post-operative complications between the conventional and the locking plate/screw mandibular systems. The locking plate/screw system was more rigid than conventional plate/screw system, thereby reducing the need and duration of intermaxillary fixation (IMF).

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery is a surgical treatment option for treating the patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Surgical treatment of OSA by MMA surgery is a problem when it is encountered with an edentulous patient because of the intermaxillary fixation problem of the jaws. A paucity of information is available concerning MMA surgery for edentulous patients.In this case report, we present the preoperative planning, orthognathic surgery, and postoperative phases of a 49-year-old edentulous severe OSA (apnea hypopnea index, 81.9 event/hr) patient who underwent MMA surgery.Polysomnographic examination 9 months after surgery revealed normalization of the somnographic evaluations (apnea hypopnea index, 1.3).The results reported in the present case showed that the surgical treatment of OSA by MMA surgery in edentulous patients could be successfully done. Further critical evaluations of this approach for the surgical treatment of edentulous OSA patients are needed.

Transgingival fixation screws are used for intermaxillary fixation in different situations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of root trauma and tooth loss using pre-drilled transgingival fixation screws. Material and methods 521 patients with mean age 26.9 (SD 9.9) years who had orthognathic surgery or trauma to the maxilla or mandible were selected for the study. Postoperative orthopantomographs (OPT) taken before and after screw removal were examined. The location of the screws and dental-root “hits” were recorded. Results 1663 screws were inserted either to the maxilla or to the mandible. 285 teeth (17.1%) showed radiologically proven contact between the dental roots and the screws or the dental roots were hit by the screw (screw inserted with more than the screws radius into the root). In three cases (0.2%) teeth were lost due to apical or periradicular inflammation, four teeth (0.2%) had to be root filled and five teeth (0.3%) were persistent painful at the follow-up examination before miniplate removal 10.3 (SD 8.1) months post-surgery. Conclusion Dental problems occurred in 0.7% at the screw insertions sites. The use of transgingival fixation screws showed a low risk of tooth loss. Root defects healed without any incident. However surgeons must be aware of possible consequences to provide a safe treatment.

Purpose The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of nonsurgically treated mandibular condylar fractures in children. Materials and Methods This study includes 42 children (23 girls and 19 boys) with 54 mandibular condylar fractures. All patients were younger than 18 years at the time of injury and were followed for at least 2 years (mean follow-up 4 years). Treatment was either observation or intermaxillary fixation (rigid and/or guiding elastics). Clinical outcome was categorized as favorable or unfavorable. Condylar remodeling was defined as complete, moderate, or poor on the basis of radiographic findings. Results Thirty-one patients (74%) presented with favorable and 11 (26%) with unfavorable clinical long-term outcome. Unilateral fractures showed a statistically significant increase of unfavorable clinical outcomes compared with bilateral fractures ( P = .018). The radiologic examinations showed complete remodeling in 47 (87%), moderate remodeling in 5 (9%), and poor remodeling in 2 (4%) of the condylar fractures. One patient developed condylar overgrowth. No statistically significant relationship between clinical and radiologic outcome was found. Thirty-five patients (83%) had no subjective symptoms, and 41 (98%) described normal chewing function at the last follow-up examination. Conclusions Nonsurgical treatment of mandibular condylar fractures leads to acceptable remodeling of the condylar process, good clinical long-term outcome, and minimal subjective symptoms in most children. Unilateral fractures significantly increase the risk for unfavorable clinical outcome.

Numerous methods have been described for achievement of Intermaxillary fixation in the treatment of fractures of facial skeleton. Conventional methods like Erich arch bars and eyelet wires are currently most common methods for achieving intermaxillary fixation (IMF), but they have their own disadvantages. Since 1989, IMF using intraoral self tapping IMF screws has been introduced for treatment of mandibular fractures. The aim of this work was to compare the efficacy, advantages, disadvantages indications and potential complications associated with Erich archbar v/s self tapping IMF screws in the management of mandibular fractures.Twenty patients with mandibular fractures, reporting to Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Oxford Dental College, Bangalore were evaluated, to compare the efficacy of two techniques. The parameters considered were, time taken, perforations in the gloves, patient acceptance, oral hygiene, iatrogenic dental injuries, and needle stick injuries during IMF with Erich arch Bar and self tapping IMF screws.The mean time taken for IMF was 8.52 ± 2.7 min with screws as compared to 100 min with Erich arch bars. Mean number of perforations were significantly more in Group II. Oral hygiene status was good in 90% and fair in 10% of Group I and 100% fair in Group II patients.Use of self tapping IMF screws for intermaxillary fixation is a valid alternative to conventional Erich arch bars in the treatment of mandibular fractures. Iatrogenic injury to dental roots is the most important problem to this procedure, which can be minimized by careful radiographic evaluation and treatment planning.

Jaw fracture surgery or orthognathic surgery usually involves the application of an intermaxillary fixation (IMF). Obstructions that cannot be relieved by suction require an immediate release of IMF wires, but releasing the IMF may damage the surgical alignment of the facial bones. The mean time taken to release the jaws was an average of 2 minutes 9 seconds by hospital staff involved in caring for these patients. The aims of this study were to introduce a training model for wire-guided percutaneous cricothyrotomy in the patients applying an IMF and to perform the procedure for medical students. Our model consisted of a facial mannequin, a plastic breathing tube, 2 rolls of tapes, and a reservoir bag. The inner parts of the 2 used rolls of tape represent tracheal/cricoid rings (1-inch width for thyroid and half-inch width for cricoid), and the space between them represents the cricothyroid membrane, which is wrapped with Peha-Haft. A surgeon demonstrated the technique on the model, and then, 60 medical students who had never attended airway-training courses applied the Melker cricothyrotomy kit on the model. All 60 students completed the procedure successfully. The mean (SD) time needed to insert a cricothyrotomy catheter of the medical students was 175 (50) seconds (range, 76-297 s). Most of the students (54; 90%) performed it within 4 minutes; more than half (33; 55%), within 3 minutes. With our manikin model and Melker cricothyrotomy kit, 60 medical students completed the procedure successfully. This model can be useful to cricothyrotomy training for medical personnel.

Application of Erich arch bar with the help of circumdental wires for intermaxillary fixation is most widely accepted method for mandibular fractures. However, circumdental wires causes injury to periodontium. There is always fear of inadvertent injury by wire ends and chances of serotransmission of blood born viruses to the operator thus, we want to use the safest method of intermaxillary fixation avoiding use of circumdental wires. We modified arch bar and bonded it to the dental arches by light cure composite resin and intermaxillary fixation was done without circumdental wires. Comparative study against conventional Erich arch bar fixation and evaluation concerning the oral hygiene, stability and safety of operator was made among 20 patients in two groups. As per our observation and result, resin bonded arch bar is easy to apply, causes less periodontal injury, and its application minimizes threat of percutaneous injury to operator.

The use of intermaxillary fixation to treat jaw fractures is a procedure still widely carried out in third world countries either because of the unavailability of miniplates to treat jaw fractures or due to their expensive nature. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of intermaxillary fixation on ventilatory functions of adult Nigerians so as to establish baseline data for future comparisons in Africans.One hundred and forty-eight subjects comprising 120 (81%) males and 28 (19%) females were studied. Their age ranged from 18 to 60 years with a mean age of 24 years. The patients' pulmonary function tests were done using a vitalograph spirometer to measure FEV(1) and FVC immediately postoperatively, 7 days postoperatively, immediately after removal of IMF, and on the 7th day of IMF removal. The mean values of the FEV(1) and FVC at 7 days postoperatively were significantly higher than the values obtained immediate postoperatively (p0.001). The FEV(1) and FVC values obtained immediate postoperatively and 7 days postoperatively were significantly lower than the values obtained immediately after removal of the wires (p0.001).The results also show that there was a further increase of the mean values of FEV(1) and FVC on the 7th day of wires removal.It was observed that there was a reduction of pulmonary function values due to airway obstruction following IMF. The reduction was 5.7% to 8.9% in males, and 5.0% to 6.9% in females compared to the normal values established for adult Nigerians. In addition, the average of the mean FVC values immediately postoperatively and 7 days postoperatively were 87.9% and 90.9% for males and 91.7% to 93.6% for females respectively of their normal values obtained from the FVC values on the 7th day of wire removal.

Maxillary-mandibular fixation (MMF) methods are important in the surgical management of the lower facial skeleton. Various techniques have been described to fixate these bones during treatment of facial trauma, reconstruction, and orthognathic surgery. The utilization and technique of placement for Erich arch bars, Ivy loops, Ernst ligatures, and fixation screws are reviewed.

Purpose This study was conducted to comparatively evaluate, in a prospective and randomized manner, 2 techniques for providing double-gloving protection during arch bar placement for intermaxillary fixation. Materials and Methods A total of 42 consecutive patients in whom application of an Erich bar was indicated for intermaxillary fixation were equally divided into 2 groups. In group 1, 2 sterile surgical gloves were used; in group 2, a nonsterile disposable inner glove was used under a sterile surgical glove. Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and binomial statistical tests were used to analyze the findings. Results A total of 103 perforations were found in the outer gloves (47 in group 1 and 56 in group 2), along with 5 perforations in inner gloves in both groups (α = .01). No significant statistical difference was found between groups in terms of inner glove perforations (α = .05). The nondominant hand presented with 70.9% of the perforations, statistically significant to 1%. Conclusions Both double-gloving techniques were found to provide effective clinician protection. The use of a nonsterile disposable glove under the surgical glove is possible for less-invasive procedures, offering the same safety as using 2 sterile surgical gloves while decreasing operational costs. This method does not eliminate the need to change gloves when a perforation is suspected or noted during the surgery, however.