Osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures using lag screws

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomedical engineering
• Trauma care

Background:

• Osteosynthesis, the surgical fixation of bone fractures, commonly employs metal plates.
• Lag screws offer a supplementary fixation method with distinct biomechanical advantages.
• The application of lag screws in conjunction with plates requires specific indications for optimal outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the role of lag screws as an adjunct to plate osteosynthesis.
• To define the specific fracture patterns where lag screw fixation is most beneficial.
• To elucidate the technique for stabilizing short and wide lamellar fractures using lag screws.

Main Methods:

• Review of current orthopedic surgical techniques for fracture fixation.
• Analysis of biomechanical principles supporting the use of lag screws.
• Case study examples illustrating the application of lag screws with neutralization plates.

Main Results:

• Lag screws are essential for augmenting plate osteosynthesis, particularly in neutralization plating.
• Short lamellar fractures benefit significantly from stabilization with lag screws and neutralization plates.
• Wide lamellar fractures can be effectively managed with two or, exceptionally, three lag screws.

Conclusions:

• Lag screw osteosynthesis is a crucial supplementary technique in orthopedic trauma.
• The strategic use of lag screws enhances the stability and functional outcome of fracture fixation.
• This method provides a reliable solution for specific challenging fracture configurations.