Complications associated with different treatment modalities of mandibular fracture

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare the complications of various techniques used to treat mandible fractures. This clinical study was carried out on 150 patients of mandibular fracture at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Hospital Jamshoro, Sindh from May 2004 to April 2006. Inclusion criteria were patients having single mandibular fracture, were medically fit for surgery, and had sufficient dentition were selected for maxillomandibular fixation. Patients with bone pathology, immnocompromised, comminuted and infected fracture were excluded. They were distributed in three groups and were treated with three standard techniques. Miniplates, MMF [maxillomandibular fixation] and Miniplates + MMF for 15 days. Age ranged from 12-60 years, mean age was 26.5 years. There were 135[90%] males and 15[100%] females. Most common site was parasymphysis [489%]. Post operative complications were recorded as infection, malocclusion, delayed union, nonunion, nerve damage and TMJ Dysfunction. 21 complications were encountered in 21 patients among all three groups. In MMF group number of complications were 11 [22%]. In Plating group were 8[16%]. In plating + MMF group were 2[4%]. The use of miniplate secured with four 2.0mm wide and 7.0mm long monocortical screws and maxillomandibular fixation for two weeks has proven to be the most effective treatment modality for mandible fracture