Mandibular fracture reduction with eccentric dynamic compression plate: new treatment for an old problem.

We describe a technique and theory of application of the Eccentric Dynamic Compression Plate (EDCP) and the Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP) for mandibular fracture fixation, developed by Speissl in Switzerland, and our experience with the application of 15 plates in ten edentulous or nearly edentulous patients over the past 18 months. While we have had soft tissue infections in 4 of 15 fracture sites, our results reveal satisfactory bony healing in 14 of 15 fracture sites. We, therefore, believe that while this technique is still in the infant stages of clinical application in the United States, it has the potential to revolutionize the thinking and practice of mandibular fracture therapy.