Abstract
A technique for using small plates in the management of midface fractures is presented. Principles of fracture management are similar to wire osteosynthesis. Anatomic rigid reduction allows more precise control and stabilization of the midfacial bone fragments, particularly the frontal process of the maxilla and the medial canthal region. In addition, rigid fixation aids in preventing inferomedial displacement of the zygomatic complex by the masseter muscle. The vertical dimension of the midface can be reestablished and stabilized by bone plate fixation without the need for suspension wires. Immediate opening of the mouth afforded by rigid fixation facilitates safe airway management, patient comfort, better oral hygiene, and speech and may circumvent the need for tracheostomy when concomitant nasal fractures are present.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 416-420 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology |
Volume | 66 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1988 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Dentistry (all)