Reoperative mandibular trauma: management of posttraumatic mandibular deformities

Mandibular fractures are one the most common maxillofacial injuries. Diagnostic errors, poor surgical technique, healing disorders, or complications may lead to the establishment of posttraumatic mandibular deformities. Nonunion, malunion/malocclusion, or facial asymmetry can be found early during the healing process or as long-term sequelae after the initial mandibular fracture repair. Although occasionally these problems can be solved in a nonsurgical manner, reoperations play an important role in the management of these untoward outcomes. This article discusses the reoperative techniques used for the management of these deformities.