The Use Of Bone Reduction Forceps For Reduction And Fixation Of Mandibular Angle Fractures

Suh, Chang Ho

Abstract

Until now, many kinds of treatment modalities for mandibular angle fractures have been proposed. about among them, the semi-rigid fixation using miniplates has become a most popular procedure due to its simplicity and good clinical results in nowadays. When we use miniplates according to Champy's ideal osteosynthesis line principles for mandibular angle fracture treatment, we generally perform reduction and fixation procedures under the condition of maxillomandibular fixation(MMF) using arch-bars. But in so doing, due to various reasons, we occasionally observe gapping or torqueing of inferior border of mandibular angle after completion of miniplate fixation. In contrast to MMF state, we can observe intimate reduction of inferior border of mandibular angle due to compressive force and gapping of superior border due to tensile forces during wide mouth opening state. So we developed a new technique which uses bone reduction forceps(or modified towel clips) as a temporary fixation device during wide mouth opening state for intimate reduction and stability along the entire fracture line. By applying this new technique for mandibular angle fracture treatment, it was possible for us to perform easy and accurate miniplate fixation for last 1 year period with clinical success. This article presents some case reports of mandibular angle fracture patients who were treated by this new technique and discussions about the reliability and advantages of this technique.