10.2.23
Quick Read #65 - #trauma #mandible #fracture #surgery #facialtrauma #doctorgallagher #oralsurgery #oralsurgeon #dentist #dentistry #dental #jawfracture #jaw
1. Preoperative Planning & Assessment:
• Evaluate the nature and extent of the fracture with radiographic examinations (ie. panoramic radiographs, CT scans).
• Assess patient’s general health, allergies, and medications.
2. Anesthesia:
• General anesthesia is typically utilized for these cases.
3. Surgical Access:
• A common approach for parasymphysis fractures is the intraoral, or “transoral”, approach.
• An incision is made in the mucobuccal fold overlying the fracture site to access the fractured bone.
• Skeletonization of the mental nerve may be involved if in proximity to the fracture or surgical site.
4. Fracture Exposure and Debridement:
• Gently retract the soft tissues to expose the fracture site.
• Remove any debris or hematoma present in the fracture line.
• The fracture is exposed, and arch bars are applied.
5. Reduction:
• Manually reposition the fractured segments to achieve anatomical alignment.
• Manipulate the mandibular fragments until anatomic reduction is achieved. Apply the reduction forceps and then place the patient into occlusion with MMF.
6. Internal Fixation:
• Once the bone segments are aligned, and proper occlusion is verified in MMF, they are stabilized using titanium plates and screws. The number, size, and positioning of these will depend on the specifics of the fracture.
• Simple (linear) fractures can easily be treated with miniplates. However, these are often associated with additional injuries in the mandibular arch, and the surgeon may elect to use more rigid fixation.
• Locking plates with different profiles offer increased stability and can still be placed using the same surgical approach.
• Confirm adequate reduction.
• MMF is released, and the occlusion is checked.
• Depending on the fracture and repair, such as if 2 plates were used and occlusion and alignment was deemed appropriate, the arch bars may potentially be removed at this point in time.
7. Closure:
• The incision is closed using absorbable sutures. Ensure that there is no tension on the wound to prevent dehiscence.
8. Postoperative Care:
• Prescribe antibiotics and analgesics as required.
• Diet modification (soft diet) for a certain period.
• Instruct the patient on oral hygiene practices to keep the surgical site clean.
• Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing.
References:
1. Ellis, E., & Price, C. (2001). Treatment protocol for fractures of the atrophic mandible. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 59(4), 419-425.
2. Miloro, M., Ghali, G. E., Larsen, P. E., & Waite, P. (Eds.). Peterson’s Principles of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (4th ed.). Springer.
3. AO Foundation. (2023). AO surgery reference. (www.aofoundation.org).
4. ChatGPT. 2023.