Assessment of Lag Screws in Treatment of Anterior Mandibular Fracture

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the results of treating anterior mandibular fractures with lag screws, focusing on specific clinical and radiographic characteristics.

Ten patients with anterior mandibular fractures were selected and given anesthesia. A local anesthetic with a vasoconstrictor (1:80000 adrenaline) was used at the surgical site. A vestibular incision of 3-4 mm was made, extending from 34-44. A gauze pad and the blunt side of a periosteal elevator were used to lift the mucoperiosteal flap. Metrogyl irrigation was then performed to remove any fibers stuck to the bone. The fracture site was exposed and the fracture edges were refined. Intermaxillary fixation was carried out once the broken fragments were minimized. Two lag screws, ranging in length from 16 to 20 mm, were used to secure the fragments, depending on the needs of each case.

Fracture stability, occlusion, mental nerve injury, screw position, accuracy of reduction, bone healing, tenderness, and edema were assessed up to the sixth week. Significant improvement was observed in all parameters by the end of the sixth week.

The effectiveness of this treatment approach has been gained through a thorough examination of radiographic examinations, patient-reported metrics, and clinical outcomes.