Article Published In Vol.5 (Nov-Dec-2017)

Evaluation of Wound Dehiscence in Rigid Internal Fixation of Facial Fractures

Author : Ali Abduljabbar Mohammad

Background: Mandibular fractures or fractures of the jaw are typically the result of trauma, rarely they may be due to osteonecrosis or tumors in the bone. Occlusion and masticatory functions are not much influenced by the type of reduction and fixation. A fractured mandible could be reduced externally or internally. Internal fixation can be accomplished by wire, titanium plate, and screw fixation.
Patients and methods: Forty-three patients with mandibular fractures were included in this study, all of them underwent internal rigid fixation with intermaxillary fixation, they are classified into two groups, the first group , intermaxillary fixation is kept for 7-10 days , the second group includes intermaxillary fixation during surgery only. Edentulous patients were excluded from this study.All patients were placed with lower and upper arch bars or upper and lower eyelid wires, prior to open reduction and internal rigid fixation of the mandibular fractures. We compared postoperatively the outcome in dentate patients with internal rigid fixation, intermaxillary fixation for 7-10 days, and immediate removal of intermaxillary fixation after surgery.
Results: All patients were followed up for wound dehiscence in two groups, groupA with intermaxillary fixation for 7-10 days and group B were intermaxillaryfixation removed immediately after surgery. Group A did not suffer from the wound dehiscence as in group B.
Conclusion: Wound dehiscence after internal rigid fixation depend on many factors among them restricted active movement, soft diet and good oral hygiene.

Keywords: Wound Dehiscence, Rigid Internal Fixation of Facial Fractures etc.