Use of lag screws for fractures of the mandibular body.

PURPOSE

This article presents the results of treating fractures of the mandibular body using lag screws alone or lag screws inserted through bone plates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-one patients treated for fractures of the mandibular body using lag screws within a 5.5-year period were retrospectively studied for complications. Nine patients were treated with lag screws only and 22 with a lag screw inserted through a bone plate. No patient was placed into postsurgical maxillomandibular fixation.

RESULTS

There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, except for one dental abscess.

CONCLUSIONS

Lag screw fixation of mandibular body fractures is a reliable technique when these is sufficient obliquity of the fracture.