The stabilization of midface-fractures in the vertical dimension.

A frontal or zygomatic-bone wire-suspension is often insufficient to retain and stabilize the upper jaw after fractures of the Le Fort II or III type. Caudal and dorsal displacement of the maxilla can only be avoided by the use of intermaxillary immobilization in good occlusion. The use of a maxillary stabilizer makes long-term intermaxillary immobilization unnecessary. The displacement of the maxilla, which can often be observed during splinting and fixation with wire-suspension following midface fractures, can be avoided by the use of stable steel rods.