Dynamic compression plating in the treatment of mandibular fractures. Early experience.

The production of rigid fracture fixation has most recently been carried out by the use of internal compression plates. These allow for a simple and accurate method of providing either static or dynamic osteosynthesis in a variety of maxillofacial applications. Especially in cases involving the edentulous mandible, in comminuted fractures with or without loss of bone, in fractures where intermaxillary fixation would be necessary, or when internal splinting is required, this technique as presented may offer some unique and desirable advantages. An overview of the general principles and technique is presented and discussed.