Internal Fixation using Tension Wire Band in Mandibular Fractures

ABSTRACT

In mandibular fractures basic principle of treatment for rapid healing are accurate reduction and secure immobilization. Till now many kinds of operative techniques have been mentioned. But each method has several disadvantages such as inaccurate reduction, immature operative technique and long operative time. To overcome these disadvantages, tension wire band secured to monocortical screws for open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular fractures were applied. From March, 2000 to August, 2002 tension wire band and intermaxillary fixation with occlusal splint for 1-2 weeks had been applied in total 63 patients. The operative technique is as follows. The first, two pieces of monocortical screws, which have 1.5-2.0 mm diameter and 5-7 mm length is fixed on each fracture site through outer cortex. Second, tension wire is twisted appropriately between two screws to reduction of fracture site. No cases of infection, malunion, or malocclusion occurred. Compaired with other operative techniques, this technique is more useful because of short operative time, accurate reduction and secure immobilization.