Parotid salivary fistula secondary to external pin fixation: case report

Although the use of rigid fixation techniques has become widespread for the treatment of mandible fractures, indications still remain for the utilization of biphasic external pin fixation in patients who suffer cranio-maxillofacial trauma. The treatment of continuity defects of the mandible secondary to avulsive injuries or ablative surgery is a primary indication for the utilization of biphasic external pin fixation. The placement of biphasic external pins requires an understanding of the surgical anatomy surrounding the mandible. In this article, the authors discuss the indications for, contraindications for, and complications associated with the use of biphasic external pin fixation, describe the procedure, and present a case report of a patient with parotid salivary fistula secondary to the placement of external pin fixation.