Case reports: the use of intermaxillary screws to achieve intermaxillary fixation in the treatment of mandibular fractures.

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of mandibular fractures commonly involves the use of arch bars in temporary maxillo-mandibular fixation (also called intermaxillary fixation) to aid bone plating, for the postoperative application of light elastic traction to correct minor occlusal discrepancies and intermaxillary fixation for post reduction immobilisation. The purpose of this paper is to describe a quick and simple alternative for intermaxillary fixation.

CLINICAL PICTURE

Three cases of mandibular fractures are presented to demonstrate the use of intermaxillary screws instead of conventional arch-bar wiring.

TREATMENT

Two cases were treated with closed reduction methods while the other case was treated with open reduction.

OUTCOME

Subsequent fracture healing was not compromised using this technique.

CONCLUSIONS

With careful case selection, successful treatment outcome may be achieved using this time-saving and technically simple procedure. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of the intermaxillary screws are discussed.