Rigid internal fixation of infected mandibular fractures

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Infectious Disease Management

Background:

• Infected mandible fractures pose significant challenges in treatment.
• Effective management requires addressing both infection and skeletal instability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the treatment outcomes of rigid internal fixation for infected mandible fractures.
• To assess the efficacy of a standardized protocol for managing these complex injuries.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 44 patients with infected mandible fractures over 7 years.
• Standardized treatment included incision and drainage, debridement, rigid internal fixation, and antibiotics.
• Fractures were stratified into soft tissue infection and hard tissue infection (osteomyelitis) groups.

Main Results:

• The protocol achieved a 100% success rate in 18 patients with soft tissue infections.
• A 92% success rate was observed in 26 patients with hard tissue infections (osteomyelitis).
• Average follow-up was 18.2 months.

Conclusions:

• A single-stage protocol combining debridement and rigid internal fixation is effective for infected mandible fractures.
• This approach offers successful management for both soft and hard tissue infections.
• Rigid internal fixation provides a reliable stabilization method in these cases.