Maxillo-mandibular fixation: utility and current techniques in modern practice

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Surgical Techniques
• Fracture Management

Background:

• Maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) is being overshadowed by advanced rigid internal fixation (RIF) in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
• RIF techniques have evolved, leading to a perceived decline in MMF's frontline application.
• The efficiency and sophistication of RIF have prompted a re-evaluation of MMF's role.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reassess and emphasize the ongoing importance and practical applications of MMF in contemporary oral and maxillofacial surgery.
• To review current methodologies for achieving MMF.
• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of MMF compared to alternative fixation methods.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted to gather recent studies on MMF.
• Selected articles were reviewed to synthesize evidence on MMF's techniques, benefits, drawbacks, and cost-effectiveness.
• A comparative analysis of MMF and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for cost-effectiveness was performed.

Main Results:

• MMF serves as a temporary intraoperative aid or postoperative stabilizer for rigid and semi-rigid fixation.
• It is a cost-effective solution for specific mandibular fractures and suitable for patients who decline or are unfit for open surgery.
• Innovative MMF techniques include direct wiring, inter-arch wires/elastics, and specialized devices.

Conclusions:

• Despite the increasing popularity of ORIF, MMF retains significant relevance in maxillofacial surgery.
• MMF can be more cost-effective than rigid internal fixation in certain clinical scenarios.
• The study underscores the continued utility of MMF in modern surgical practice.