Manejo de las fracturas mandibulares en pacientes pediátricos / Management of mandibular fractures in pediatric patients

Describimos el manejo de las fracturas mandibulares en niños durante tres años en un grupo de pacientes atendidos en la universidad de Thamar en la republica de Yemen entre 2006-09, de acuerdo a nuestras experiencias y a las condiciones del país. Se identificó el lugar de la fractura, mediante estudio clínico y radiográfico, además de analizar los traumas asociados, las causas que las produjeron y el tipo de tratamiento empleado en cada caso. Se encontraron en 21 casos (14 varones y 7 niñas). El tratamiento más utilizado fue la férula de acrílico y los alambres circunmandibulares lográndose excelentes resultados al ser este un método fácil y poco invasivo para los folículos dentales, ayuda a los niños por ser pacientes poco cooperativos y evita las complicaciones nutricionales

We describe a pediatric mandibular fractures management in Thamar University, Yemen Republic, during three years 2006-09, according our experience and conditions in this country. The anatomical site of the mandibular fracture was identified by clinical and radiograph examination, also we analyzed the associated injuries. The treated fractures were separated into those whose fractures were reduced with acrylic splint and circummandibular wires. A total of 24 fracture sites in 21 pediatric patients (14 males and 7 females). We demonstrated that the use of acrylic splint in the stabilization and fixation of a mandibular body fracture is a reliable and noninvasive procedure also the children are uncooperative patients, with this method of treatment can eat without nutritional complications

A conservative approach to pediatric mandibular fracture management: Outcome and advantages.

Pediatric mandibular fractures are rare and their treatment remains controversial. Management is extremely complicated in mixed dentition as it is inherently dynamic and unstable. Treatment options include soft diet, intermaxillary fixation with eyelet wires, arch bars, circummandibular wiring, or stents. Alternative options include open reduction and internal fixation through either an intraoral or extraoral approach. This case report describes and evaluates the conservative technique of acrylic splint in the treatment of pediatric mandible fracture in a 12-year-old female child. The patient with isolated mandibular fracture was treated with acrylic splint and interdental wiring followed by evaluation of clinical and radiographic healing as well as the somatosensory status. Patient demonstrated clinical union to her pre-injury occlusion by three to four weeks. Panoramic finding supported the finding of clinical examination throughout the study. High osteogenic potential of the pediatric mandible allowed conservative management to be successful in this case.

The Availability and Fabrication of Acrylic Splints

PURPOSE: The primary objective in applying surgical splints is the restoration of normal occlusal relations through proper positioning of the teeth and bony structures. The splints were fabricated by specially educated physicians and personnel with dental training or a dental laboratory. The aim of this article is to introduce the easy availability and fabrication method of acrylic splints. METHODS: Acrylic is the most easily, rapidly, and cheaply obtained material among various splints. Acrylic splints are especially rigid, strong, easily adjustable and repairable, translucent, light-weighted, and well tolerated by the oral mucosa. Thus, the use of acrylic occlusal splints have been popularly applied. RESULTS: Surgical prosthetic splints have been used in the following; treatment of complex facial bone fractures, correction of maxillomandibular disharmonies, segmental maxillary osteotomies, reconstruction of the mandible, treatment of mandibular fractures in children, night guards in sleep bruxism, and repairment of TMJ dysfunctions. CONCLUSION: The use of acrylic splints have been popularly applied because of its good aspects and various purposes. However, its use is restricted because the process is time consuming, costly, and absolutely dependent on a dental technician in plastic surgery. This article presents the easy construction of splints made directly by the operator so that it may help analyze the patient's occlusion on dental casts and aid in building an operation plan.

Clinical Experiences of Acrylic Splint on Pediatric Mandile Fracture

The goal of open reduction in mandibular fracture is to restore the underlying bony architecture to its pre-injury position in a stable fashion, with a minimal of aesthetic and functional impairment. Many cases of mandibular fracture are treated by intermaxillary fixation using arch bars after open reduction. In this study, after open reduction of fracture, 23 patients were grouped according to acrylic splint appliction. All patients was younger than 15 years old. Open reduction was performed by miniplate or interosseous wire fixation. After open reduction, 8 patients were applied with acrylic splint and 15 patients were applied with arch bar for intermaxillary fixation. Physical examination and postoperative panoramic x-ray were reviewed for the evaluation of occlusion. In the group where acrylic splint was used, 75% of the patients showed excellent subjective satisfaction and 25% showed good satisfaction. In the group where the acrylic splint was not used, 33% showed excellent and good satisfaction, 27% fair satisfaction and 1 patient showed poor satisfaction. On long-term follow- up, the group where acrylic splint was applied showed better occlusion compared to the group where acrylic splint was not applied.