Treatment of mandible fractures using resorbable plates with a mean of 3 weeks maxillomandibular fixation: a prospective study.

PURPOSE

In this study, a 2.5-mm resorbable plating system (Inion CPS, Tampere Finland) was assessed for the fixation of mandibular fractures with 3 weeks of maxillomandibular fixation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty mandibular fractures in 34 patients (32 males, 2 females) with a mean of 20.8 days of maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) were included in this study. The 2.5-mm resorbable plates were adapted along Champy's line of ideal osteosynthesis and secured with four 8 × 2.5 mm monocortical resorbable screws. All patients were followed for a minimum of 6 weeks with an average long-term follow-up of 10 months. The incidence of soft tissue infection, nonunion, malunion, malocclusion, osteomyelitis, nerve injury, and tooth damage was prospectively assessed.

RESULTS

Primary bone healing was achieved in 100% of cases. Ten minor complications (20%) were observed: 5 soft tissue infections (10%), 4 plate dehiscences (8%), and 1 malocclusion (2%). No evidence of malunion, nonunion, osteomyelitis, plate fracture, or iatrogenic dental or nerve injury was noted; no readmission or reoperation was necessary.

CONCLUSION

The Inion 2.5-mm resorbable plating system along Champy's line of ideal osteosynthesis plus 3 weeks of MMF is a viable option for the treatment of mandible fractures.