[Miniaturized plate and screws in mandibular fractures : results in 22 cases (author's transl)]

The authors describe the results of their use of miniaturized plates and screws in mandibular fractures. For the last 25 months they have used this osteosynthetic technique by the endobuccal approach with monocortical fixation of the plates in all displaced mandibular fractures requiring surgical reduction. No post-operative blocking has occurred. The technique was used in 22 patients with 27 osteosyntheses of the fracture focus : 34 plates were applied. Several technical points are emphasized, especially inter-maxillary blocking, and a critical analysis made of the material used, the method of osteosynthesis applied, and the results obtained. These were good but involve only a small number of cases treated by the same surgeon. The method appears to be effective, difficult but feasible, and one which is of incomparable comfort for the patient.