Experience with rigid fixation of mandibular fractures and immediate function

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Mandibular fractures are common facial injuries.
• Rigid fixation allows early patient mobilization and function.
• Infection is a potential complication of fracture fixation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of rigid fixation for mandibular fractures with immediate function.
• To identify risk factors for postoperative infection in these cases.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 75 mandibular fractures in 52 patients treated with rigid fixation.
• Data collected on fracture location, timing of fixation, presence of associated teeth, fixation technique, and infection development.

Main Results:

• Postoperative infection occurred in 16% of fractures.
• All infections were associated with fractures involving teeth.
• No infections occurred in fractures fixed within 24 hours of injury.
• Angle and posterior body fractures had higher infection rates.
• Improperly applied rigid fixation correlated with increased infection risk.

Conclusions:

• Early fixation (within 24 hours) and avoiding fixation in the presence of teeth may reduce infection risk.
• Proper rigid fixation technique is crucial for minimizing complications.
• Infection, while occurring, rarely prolonged treatment or affected the final outcome.