TREATMENT OF MANDIBULAR FRACTURES WITH RIGID OSTEOSYNTHESIS - USING THE AO SYSTEM

Purpose: This study evaluated the results achieved in the surgical tre atment of all mandibular fractures at two university centers using the 2.7 AO mandibular system. Patients and Methods: A total of 227 patien ts presenting with 180 single fractures and 47 with double fractures ( 274 osteosyntheses) were included in this prospective study. Results: During a mean follow-up of 27.5 months (minimum, 12 months), an overal l complication rate of 7% was observed. No infection justified early r emoval of the osteosynthesis material. Conclusions: The systematic use of the technique recommended by AO for treating mandibular fractures, performed by thoroughly experienced operators on a compliant populati on, results in a low rate of complications and an early return to norm al function.