Immediate mandibular reconstruction after resection using a modified Kirschner wire splint

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Reconstruction

Background:

• Maintaining proper bone fragment alignment is crucial in maxillofacial trauma.
• Temporary stabilization is often required before definitive surgical reconstruction.
• Achieving an intraoral seal is a key challenge in managing complex facial fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a modified Kirschner wire splint technique.
• To review the clinical experience with this splint in 25 patients.
• To evaluate its efficacy as a temporary stabilization method.

Main Methods:

• A modified Kirschner wire splint was utilized for temporary fixation.
• The splint was applied to maintain bone fragment position.
• Intraoral seal establishment was monitored during the healing phase.
• Final reconstruction was performed after sufficient healing.

Main Results:

• The modified Kirschner wire splint was successfully used in 25 patients.
• The splint effectively maintained bone fragment alignment temporarily.
• Facilitated the establishment of an intraoral seal.
• Allowed for subsequent definitive bone grafting procedures.

Conclusions:

• The modified Kirschner wire splint is a viable temporary solution for maxillofacial bone stabilization.
• This technique aids in achieving critical intraoral seal.
• It serves as a useful precursor to definitive bone grafting and reconstruction.