Dynamic compression plating in treatment of the fractured, edentulous mandible

The repair of a mandibular fracture in the edentulous patient can be a difficult surgical problem. A recent report of a large series of such cases by the University of Michigan disclosed a 20% rate of nonunion. Dynamic compression plating is particularly suited to the repair of fractures of the edentulous mandible as intermaxillary fixation is unnecessary, normal speech and diet are resumed immediately, and bone grafts can be used when necessary. This series of 36 plates used in the management of mandibular fractures in 24 edentulous patients is the largest series of its type reported thus far. No nonunion or other major complication occurred in this series. Because nonunion, delayed union, and the problems associated with intermaxillary fixation were avoided in this series, it is suggested that compression plating is a highly effective method for repair of fractured edentulous mandibles.