A novel technique for reduction of fracture fragments prior to internal fixation in mandible

Introduction: Mandibular fractures are most common in maxillofacial region. Intermaxillary fixation followed by open reduction and internal fixation is the choice of treatment. Elastic internal traction replaces intermaxillary fixation as it is a simple and effective means to reduce mandibular fractures into anatomical alignment for internal fixation reducing the overall operating time. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of elastic internal traction over the conventional method of inter maxillary fixation in open reduction of mandibular fractures prior to internal fixation. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 14 patients with clinical and radiological evidence of isolated parasymphysis fracture mandible. Open reduction of fracture was done in group A by elastic internal traction and in group B by intraoperative inter maxillary fixation. Results: The difference in the time required for anatomical reduction of the fracture was statistically significant in both the groups of the patients. There were no significant differences between both the groups in relation to the anatomical reduction of fracture, stability of the post reduction occlusion, the need for post operative intermaxillary fixation and mental nerve paresthesia. Conclusion: Elastic internal traction technique is a simple and effective method of fracture reduction. It provides a stable primary fixation of the bone before the final fixation. It is a viable alternative to open reduction of fracture mandible by intermaxillary Fixation.