Intermaxillary fixation following mandibular resection

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Oncology
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Mandibular resection for cancerous lesions presents significant challenges in surgical and prosthetic reconstruction.
• Postoperative mandibular deviation is a common complication, impacting function and aesthetics.
• Effective management strategies are crucial for optimizing outcomes after extensive mandibular surgery.

Observation:

• This study evaluated 14 patients undergoing segmental mandibular resection for cancer.
• Immediate intermaxillary fixation was applied postoperatively for the initial six weeks.
• Both dentulous and edentulous patients were assessed for mandibular deviation and functional recovery.

Findings:

• Immediate intermaxillary fixation effectively reduced mandibular deviation during the early postoperative period.
• Edentulous patients utilized modified original dentures, while dentulous patients sometimes employed guide flange prostheses.
• Early functional movement, combined with fixation, further minimized deviation in dentulous patients.

Implications:

• Intermaxillary fixation is a valuable technique for improving stability and function after mandibular resection.
• Prosthetic modifications, including dentures and guide ramps, can aid in managing deviation for edentulous patients.
• This approach facilitates better surgical and prosthetic reconstruction, enhancing quality of life for cancer survivors.