Small plate osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures.

Small plate osteosynthesis has been evaluated by comparing 50 successive cases of mandibular fracture treated by this technique alone with 50 successive cases of mandibular fracture treated by intermaxillary fixation. The plates show considerable advantages over other forms of fixation in that they are small, malleable and easy to insert. Furthermore, they achieve a high degree of stability. The rate of recovery of normal jaw function and normal body weight is significantly greater than with intermaxillary fixation.