Direct bonded orthodontic brackets for maxillomandibular fixation.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Mandibular fracture treatment often includes arch bar maxillomandibular fixation (MMF), either alone or in combination with open reduction/internal fixation (ORIF) techniques. The glove perforation rate associated with arch bar placement, the incidence of blood-borne pathogen positivity in facial fracture patients, and the injurious effects of arch bars on dental enamel and gingiva have prompted the development of safer alternatives to arch bar MMF. This study evaluates the efficacy, ease of use, and safety profile of one such alternative: orthodontic direct bonded bracket fixation (MMF/DBB).

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study of consecutive mandible fracture patients treated with MMF/DBB.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients with mandibular fractures were evaluated from January 1994 to July 1997. Fourteen were appropriate for treatment with MMF/DBB (12 men and two woman; mean age, 24.6+/-7.2 y; range, 16-42 y). Fracture sites included symphysis, angle, condylar neck, coronoid, and body. Nine patients underwent MMF/DBB alone; five underwent MMF/DBB with subsequent ORIF.

RESULTS

No infection, malocclusion, malunion/nonunion, or enamel/ gingiva injury occurred. Mean follow-up was 6 months (range, 1-12 mo). Oral hygiene with MMF/DBB was superior to historical controls using arch bars.

CONCLUSIONS

MMF/DBB can serve as the single treatment method with satisfactory results in patients with favorable, less complicated mandible fractures, although with increased experience, we have treated several more complex cases with MMF/DBB alone. In cases necessitating ORIF, MMF/DBB can be performed preoperatively to align fracture segments and reestablish occlusion. This facilitates placement of osteosynthesis plates and reduces ORIF operative time. MMF/DBB is an economical, safe technique that minimizes blood-borne-pathogen risk to the operative team, eliminates periodontal injury, facilitates postoperative dental hygiene, and is painless to apply and remove.