Clinical Experiences of Acrylic Splint on Pediatric Mandile Fracture

ABSTRACT

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.