Bone-screw mandible fixation: An intraoperative alternative to arch bars

OBJECTIVES: Bone-screw mandible fixation (BSMF) is evaluated as an alternat ive to intraoperative arch-bar maxillomandibular fixation before plating of mandibular fractures. BSMF is achieved by wire ligation of opposing bone-s crews placed in the maxilla and mandible. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of 23 patients with 40 mandibular fract ures who underwent mandibular fracture repairs. BSMF was used instead of ar ch bars to ensure proper dental occlusion. All fractures were then plated, after which BSMF was removed before termination of anesthesia. RESULTS: Normal occlusion was observed in 21 patients (91.3%), Class II mal occlusion was noted in 1 patient (4.3%), and 1 patient was edentulous. No c omplications related to the use of BSMF were observed. CONCLUSION: BSMF can serve as a viable alternative to arch-bar maxillomandi bular fixation for obtaining temporary intraoperative occlusion. BSMF produ ces acceptable malocclusion rates and offers the advantages of decreased in traoperative time, lower risk for percutaneous and mucosal wire punctures, and ease of use.