Surgical management of mandibular fractures by different treatment modalities

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the results of mandibular fractures treated by different techniques. Cross sectional, observational study. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nishtar Hospital, Multan and Plastic Surgery Department of Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital Rahim Yar Khan, from July 2007 to June 2010. A total 105 cases of mandibular fractures were included in this study. Patients were assigned into three groups according to the type of surgical technique used. Outcome was measured by postoperative variables; duration of intermaxillary fixation [IMF], duration of admission, malunion, nonunion, infection, and facial nerve function. A total of 174 fractures in 105 patients were treated by different surgical techniques. The mean age was 27.3 year with male to female ratio of 61. All the three treatment modalities were successful in restoring functional occlusion. Ten patients required readmission and a total of 25 complications were noted. These complications included 05[4.8%] soft tissue infection, 09[8.5%] malocclusion, 04[3.8%] malunion, 05[4.7%] mental nerve dysfunction, and 02[1.9%] cases of facial nerve [mandibular branch] damage. There was no case of non-union or osteomyelitis. Bone healing was satisfactory in 100% of the cases. All the three surgical techniques were successful in restoring functional occlusion. Overall closed reduction plus intermaxillary fixation with 2.7-mm cortical bone screws was the simplest, less invasive, efficient, and cost-effective technique