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Measuring Maxillary Posterior Tooth Movement: A Model Assessment using Palatal and Dental Superimposition
Published on: February 23, 2024
Intermaxillary fixation is not usually necessary to reduce mandibular fractures
A M Fordyce1, Z Lalani, A K Songra
1Catherine Cookson Oral and Maxillofacial Unit, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
|April 15, 1999
Summary
For isolated mandibular fractures, anatomical reduction without intermaxillary fixation (IMF) resulted in fewer early occlusal discrepancies. This method is cost-effective and safe, proving IMF is often unnecessary for mandibular bone fractures.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Orthognathic Surgery
Background:
- Mandibular fractures are common facial injuries.
- Current treatment often involves intermaxillary fixation (IMF).
- The necessity of IMF for isolated mandibular fractures requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare outcomes of mandibular fracture reduction with and without peroperative intermaxillary fixation (IMF).
- To evaluate the impact of IMF on early and final occlusal outcomes.
- To assess the efficiency and safety of avoiding IMF in managing isolated mandibular fractures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 115 patients with isolated mandibular fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation.
- Patients were divided into two groups: anatomical reduction without peroperative IMF (n=66) and conventional treatment with peroperative IMF (n=49).
- Case notes and radiographs were reviewed to assess fracture type, severity, and occlusal outcomes.
Main Results:
- Significantly fewer early postoperative occlusal discrepancies were observed in the group treated without IMF (6/66) compared to the IMF group (16/49, P = 0.002).
- No significant difference in the final occlusal outcome was found between the two groups.
- The technique avoiding peroperative IMF was noted to be more economical, safer, and comfortable for the patient.
Conclusions:
- Peroperative intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is not usually necessary for reducing isolated mandibular fractures.
- Anatomical reduction without IMF leads to comparable long-term results with fewer early complications.
- Avoiding IMF offers significant advantages in terms of cost, time, safety, and patient comfort.
