Self-tapping and self-drilling screws for intermaxillary fixation in management of mandibular fractures

J Craniofac Surg. 2009 Jan;20(1):68-70. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0b013e318190df2f.

Abstract

The current study evaluated the success and the possible complication of intermaxillary fixation with self-tapping and self-drilling screws (STSDSs) in nondislocated or slightly dislocated mandibular fractures.Forty patients with mandibular fractures, treated with intermaxillary fixation using STSDSs, were clinically assessed by means of a dental vitality test and evaluation of tooth mobility adjacent to the cortical screw holes, and radiologically by means of a panoramic dental radiograph upon removal of the screws.The main complication was screw loss in 4.4% of cases, followed by coverage by oral mucosa in 1.2% of cases. However, no dental root damage, screw breakage, malocclusion, or poor consolidation of mandibular fractures was observed.The use of STSDSs for intermaxillary fixation is a useful alternative to the use of arch bars in the treatment of some types of mandibular fractures. In addition, there is no risk of dental lesions as with self-tapping screws.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bone Screws* / adverse effects
  • Bone Screws* / classification
  • Bone Wires
  • Dental Pulp Test
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease
  • Jaw Fixation Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Joint Dislocations / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Dislocations / surgery
  • Male
  • Mandibular Condyle / injuries
  • Mandibular Condyle / surgery
  • Mandibular Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Mandibular Fractures / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mouth Mucosa / pathology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radiography, Panoramic
  • Titanium
  • Tooth Mobility / etiology
  • Tooth Root / injuries
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Titanium