[Therapy of infected mandibular fractures]

In a follow-up study the results after rigid internal fixation (RIF) in 23 patients with mandible fractures showing signs of bone infection at the fracture sites are presented. Depending on the bony defect RIF was performed with or without additional autogenous bone grafts. RIF led to a calculable and uneventful bone healing despite the infections. The plates must be fixed with at least 3 screws on each fracture site and outside the infected areas. An adequate soft tissue coverage is a prerequisite for primary or secondary bone transplantation. In our series infected fractures were usually observed in problem patients as alcoholics, drug addicts or uncooperative patients as mentally disabled or aged persons. These patients also frequently escape from the follow-up program. To prevent complications an osteosynthesis in problem patients should be performed with enough stability so no compliance is required.