Rigid fixation in the management of maxillofacial trauma

1. Although intermaxillary fixation was the primary means of treating mandibular injuries, rigid plate fixation has eliminated the need for prolonged mandibulo-maxillary immobilization in many cases. 2. Prolonged intermaxillary fixation can result in poor nutritional support, poor oral hygiene, and the induction of gingival and masticatory muscle atrophy and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. 3. Rigid plate fixation requires specialized instrumentation and skills, and frequently external skin incisions, but the potential advantages of immediate postoperative function without prolonged jaw wiring makes this option more appealing.