Introduction: Maxillomandibular fixation is required in nearly all cases of facial fractures which can be achieved by conventional dental wiring techniques or newer methods using transalveolar screws.
Material and methods: A prospective randomized clinical study divided into two groups with thirty adult patients each with mandibular fractures was undertaken comparing the Maxillomandibular fixation technique using transalveolar screws and Erichs arch bar. Total time taken, rate of glove perforation, intraoperative and postoperative complications were noted in both the groups.
Results: The time taken for maxillomandibular fixation in minutes and rate of glove perforation was found to be statistically significantly less for transalveolar group compared to arch bar group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference found in the oral hygiene and gingival status using the Glass index and Gingival index. The rate of screw breakage (04.67%), wire breakage (05.12%), non-vitality due to iatrogenic dental damage (01.66%), soft tissue injury and tooth loss were some of the noted complications during the study.
Conclusion: We found that transalveolar group offered advantages like less time taken with a definite decreased risk of percutaneous injury, while the iatrogenic complications like dental damage can be reduced by taking adequate precautions.
Keywords: Mandibular Fractures; Maxillomandibular fixation; Transalveolar screws.