PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of active mandibular exercise (AME) in patients with limited mouth opening after maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) release. METHODS: The study used a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group and a pre test-post test design. Sixty-two patients with Maxillomandibular Fixation Release were assigned to the experimental (n=31) or control group (n=31). The AME was performed in the experimental group for 4 weeks. The exercise AME consisted of maximal mouth opening, lateral excursion and protrusive movement. These movements were repeated ten times a day. After the final exercise of the day, the number of tongue blades used for mouth opening was noted. The effect of AME was evaluated after MMF release at different time intervals: a) immediately, b) after 1 week, c) after 2 weeks, d) after 4 weeks, and e) after 12 weeks. The exercise was assessed using the following criteria: a) mandibular movements, b) pain scores associated with maximal mouth opening, c) discomfort scores associated with range of movement, and d) daily life activities that involve opening the mouth. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant improvement regarding the range of mandibular movements (maximal mouth opening (F=23.60, p < .001), lateral excursion to the right side (F=5.25, p=.002), lateral excursion to the left side (F=5.97, p=.001), protrusive movement (F=5.51, p=.001)), pain score (F=39.59, p < .001), discomfort score (F=9.38, p < .001). Daily life activities that involve opening the mouth were more favorable compared to those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The AME in patients after MMF release is helpful for increasing mandibular movement range, decreasing pain and discomfort, and improving day life activities that involve opening the mouth. Therefore, AME is highly recommended as an effective nursing intervention.
Exercise Movement Techniques ; Humans ; Jaw Fixation Techniques ; Mouth Rehabilitation ; Mouth ; Muscle Stretching Exercises ; Nursing ; Quality of Life ; Tongue ; Trismus

Clinical limitations following closed reduction of an intracapsular condylar fracture include a decrease in maximum mouth opening, reduced range of mandibular movements such as protrusion/lateral excursion, and reduced occlusal stability. Anteromedial and inferior displacement of the medial condyle fragment by traction of the lateral pterygoid muscle can induce bone overgrowth due to distraction osteogenesis between the medial and lateral condylar fragments, causing structural changes in the condyle. In addition, when conventional maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) is performed, persistent interdental contact sustains masticatory muscle hyperactivity, leading to a decreased vertical dimension and premature contact of the posterior teeth. To resolve the functional problems of conventional closed reduction, we designed a novel method for closed reduction through protrusive MMF for two weeks. Two patients diagnosed with intracapsular condylar fracture had favorable occlusion after protrusive MMF without premature contact of the posterior teeth. This particular method has two main advantages. First, in the protrusive position, the lateral condylar fragment is moved in the anterior-inferior direction closer to the medial fragment, minimizing bone formation between the two fragments and preventing structural changes. Second, in the protrusive position, posterior disclusion occurs, preventing masticatory muscle hyperactivity and the subsequent gradual decrease in ramus height.
Humans ; Jaw Fixation Techniques* ; Masticatory Muscles ; Methods ; Mouth ; Osteogenesis ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; Pterygoid Muscles ; Tooth ; Traction ; Vertical Dimension

Clinical limitations following closed reduction of an intracapsular condylar fracture include a decrease in maximum mouth opening, reduced range of mandibular movements such as protrusion/lateral excursion, and reduced occlusal stability. Anteromedial and inferior displacement of the medial condyle fragment by traction of the lateral pterygoid muscle can induce bone overgrowth due to distraction osteogenesis between the medial and lateral condylar fragments, causing structural changes in the condyle. In addition, when conventional maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) is performed, persistent interdental contact sustains masticatory muscle hyperactivity, leading to a decreased vertical dimension and premature contact of the posterior teeth. To resolve the functional problems of conventional closed reduction, we designed a novel method for closed reduction through protrusive MMF for two weeks. Two patients diagnosed with intracapsular condylar fracture had favorable occlusion after protrusive MMF without premature contact of the posterior teeth. This particular method has two main advantages. First, in the protrusive position, the lateral condylar fragment is moved in the anterior-inferior direction closer to the medial fragment, minimizing bone formation between the two fragments and preventing structural changes. Second, in the protrusive position, posterior disclusion occurs, preventing masticatory muscle hyperactivity and the subsequent gradual decrease in ramus height.
Humans ; Jaw Fixation Techniques* ; Masticatory Muscles ; Methods ; Mouth ; Osteogenesis ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; Pterygoid Muscles ; Tooth ; Traction ; Vertical Dimension

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical resistance of four different osteosyntheses modeled in two different sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) designs and to determine the linear loading in a universal testing machine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro experiment was conducted with 40 polyurethane hemimandibles. The samples were divided into two groups based on osteotomy design; Group I, right angles between osteotomies and Group II, no right angles between osteotomies. In each group, the hemimandibles were distributed into four subgroups according to the osteosynthesis method, using one 4-hole 2.0 mm conventional or locking plate, with or without one bicortical screw with a length of 12.0 mm (hybrid technique). Each subgroup contained five samples and was subjected to a linear loading test in a universal testing machine. RESULTS: The peak load and peak displacement were compared for statistical significance using PASW Statistics 18.0 (IBM Co., USA). In general, there was no difference between the peak load and peak displacement related to osteotomy design. However, when the subgroups were compared, the osteotomy without right angles offered higher mechanical resistance when one conventional or locking 2.0 mm plate was used. One locking plate with one bicortical screw showed higher mechanical resistance (162.72±42.55 N), and these results were statistically significantly compared to one conventional plate with monocortical screws (P=0.016) and one locking plate with monocortical screws (P=0.012). The difference in peak displacement was not statistically significant based on osteotomy design or internal fixation system configuration. CONCLUSION: The placement of one bicortical screw in the distal region promoted better stabilization of SSRO. The osteotomy design did not influence the mechanical behavior of SSRO when the hybrid technique was applied.
In Vitro Techniques ; Jaw Fixation Techniques ; Methods ; Orthognathic Surgery ; Osteotomy ; Osteotomy, Sagittal Split Ramus* ; Polyurethanes

The management of mandibular angle fractures is often challenging and results in the highest complication rate among fractures of the mandible. In addition, the optimal treatment modality for angle fractures remains controversial. Traditional treatment protocols for angle fractures have involved rigid fixation with intraoperative maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) to ensure absolute stability. However, more recently, non-compression miniplates have gained in popularity and the use of absolute intraoperative MMF as an adjunct to internal fixation has become controversial. In this article, the history of, and current trends in, the treatment of mandibular angle fractures will be briefly reviewed. In addition, issues regarding the management of the third molar tooth will be discussed.
Clinical Protocols ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Jaw Fixation Techniques ; Mandible ; Mandibular Fractures ; Molar, Third ; Tooth

Maxillomandibular fractures usually require intermaxillary fixation as a means to immobilize and stabilize the fracture and to re-establish proper occlusion. Arch bars or intermaxillary fixation screws cannot be used for edentulous patients or for patients who have poor dental health. Here, we present a case of repeated intermaxillary fixation failure in a patient weak alveolar rigidity secondary to multiple dental implants. Because single-point fixation screws were not strong enough to maintain proper occlusion, we have used Y-shaped plates to provide more rigid anchoring points for the intermaxillary wires. We suggest that this method should be considered for patients in whom conventional fixation methods are inappropriate or have failed.
Dental Implants ; Humans ; Jaw Fixation Techniques ; Mandible ; Mandibular Reconstruction

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes after closed reduction (CR) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the management of subcondylar fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients presenting with subcondylar fracture between January 2010 and March 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Fifteen patients were treated with CR and 33 patients with ORIF. The clinical and radiologic parameters were evaluated during follow-up (mean, 7.06 months; range, 3 to 36 months). RESULTS: In the CR group, no patients had any problems with regard to the clinical parameters. The average period of maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) was 5.47 days. The preoperative average tangential angulation of the fractured fragment was 3.67degrees, and loss of ramus height was 2.44 mm. In the ORIF group, no clinical problems were observed, and the average period of MMF was 6.33 days. The preoperative average tangential angulation of the subcondylar fragment was 8.66degrees, and loss of ramus height was 3.61 mm. CONCLUSION: CR provided satisfactory clinical results, though ORIF provided more accurate reduction of the fractured fragment. So there is no distinct displacement of fractured fragment, CR should be selected than ORIF because of no need for surgery.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Jaw Fixation Techniques ; Retrospective Studies

Nasotracheal intubation should be performed in patients with jaw fractures because maxillomandibular fixation is required. However, when there are concomitant fractures of the nose and facial bones, an intubation tube positioned at the nose makes it difficult to perform an intricate surgery. In order to overcome these problems, a variety of ways to change the position of the tube have been introduced. We describe a simple technique of switching the tube from a nasal to oral position, which was easily executed in a patient with concomitant nasal and mandibular fractures, accompanied by a literature review.
Airway Management ; Facial Bones ; Humans ; Intubation* ; Jaw Fixation Techniques ; Jaw Fractures ; Mandibular Fractures ; Nose

BACKGROUND: Maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) is usually used to treat double mandibular fractures. However, advancements in reduction and fixation techniques may allow recovery of the premorbid dental arch and occlusion without the use of MMF. We investigated whether anatomical reduction and microplate fixation without MMF could provide secure immobilization and correct occlusion in double mandibular fractures. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with double mandibular fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation without MMF. Both fracture sites were surgically treated. For bony fixations, we used microplates with or without wire. After reduction, each fracture site was fixed at two or three points to maintain anatomical alignment of the mandible. Interdental wiring was used to reduce the fracture at the superior border and to enhance stability for 6 weeks. Mouth opening was permitted immediately. RESULTS: No major complications were observed, including infection, plate exposure, non-union, or significant malocclusion. Five patients experienced minor complications, among whom the only one patient experienced a persistant but mild malocclusion with no need for additional management. CONCLUSION: This study showed that double mandibular fractures correction with two- or three-point fixation without MMF simplified the surgical procedure, increased patient comfort, and reduced complications, due to good stability and excellent adaptation.
Dental Arch ; External Fixators ; Humans ; Immobilization ; Jaw Fixation Techniques* ; Malocclusion ; Mandible ; Mandibular Fractures* ; Mouth

BACKGROUND: Maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) is usually used to treat double mandibular fractures. However, advancements in reduction and fixation techniques may allow recovery of the premorbid dental arch and occlusion without the use of MMF. We investigated whether anatomical reduction and microplate fixation without MMF could provide secure immobilization and correct occlusion in double mandibular fractures. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with double mandibular fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation without MMF. Both fracture sites were surgically treated. For bony fixations, we used microplates with or without wire. After reduction, each fracture site was fixed at two or three points to maintain anatomical alignment of the mandible. Interdental wiring was used to reduce the fracture at the superior border and to enhance stability for 6 weeks. Mouth opening was permitted immediately. RESULTS: No major complications were observed, including infection, plate exposure, non-union, or significant malocclusion. Five patients experienced minor complications, among whom the only one patient experienced a persistant but mild malocclusion with no need for additional management. CONCLUSION: This study showed that double mandibular fractures correction with two- or three-point fixation without MMF simplified the surgical procedure, increased patient comfort, and reduced complications, due to good stability and excellent adaptation.
Dental Arch ; External Fixators ; Humans ; Immobilization ; Jaw Fixation Techniques* ; Malocclusion ; Mandible ; Mandibular Fractures* ; Mouth