Intermaxillary Fixation of Mandibular Fractures using a Bilayer Thermoforming Plate

Abstract

Mandibular fractures have a high incidence among maxillofacial fractures. Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is used to treat mandibular fractures and one common procedure involves fixation using steel wire and a splint (wire fixation). This wire fixation offers strong fixing force, but often requires in-hospital management for potential response to the complications such as vomiting. Other difficulties include invasiveness to the patient and the large burden placed on the surgeon during wire fixation. We had been performing IMF using a bilayer thermoforming plate (BTP), and we have good results. This type of IMF employs a bite plate that reproduces the occlusal pattern prior to injury on the basis of models of the maxilla and mandible, and it can be detached on its own. Sufficient fixation was achieved during IMF without bone separation or occlusal deviation. IMF using a removable BTP might be a treatment option that prevents a decrease in quality of life and allows well-maintained oral hygiene without lowering the quality of meals.