Compound splint for comminuted mandibular fracture

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Comminuted mandibular fractures are uncommon but severe injuries.
• These fractures often involve significant lacerations and bone displacement.
• Priorities in managing facial trauma include airway, bleeding, and neurologic status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a method for stabilizing comminuted mandibular fractures.
• To evaluate the efficacy of combined extraoral and intraoral splinting techniques.
• To reduce the need for extensive bone resection in treating these fractures.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing extraoral facial splints fabricated from donor facial moulages.
• Employing intraoral splints for mandibular stabilization.
• Using preaccident photographs and radiographs for accurate segment realignment.

Main Results:

• The combined splinting approach effectively stabilized comminuted mandibular fractures.
• This technique facilitated precise realignment of fractured segments.
• Unnecessary removal of mandibular bone was avoided.

Conclusions:

• A combined extraoral and intraoral splinting strategy is effective for comminuted mandibular fractures.
• This method aids in accurate reconstruction and bone preservation.
• Preaccident imaging is crucial for optimal treatment outcomes.