The Use of Acrylic Splints for Treatment of Mandibular Fractures: Report of 4 Cases

Abstract

The Use of Acrylic Splints for Treatment of Mandibular Fractures: Report of 4 Cases

Supaporn Viriyajirakul DDS

Department of Dentistry, Taksin Hospital, Bangkok

Open surgical reduction and fixation with plate or interdental wiring to stabilize mandibular fractures in some patients are difficult. One example is the children whose tooth bud might be undergenerated by the open reduction with plate fixation or wiring. Other examples are patients with infected mandibular fractures, with edentulous ridge when interdental wiring would not provide adequate re-enforcement, or in comminuted fracture which was very difficult for an open surgical reduction. The usage of acrylic splint is one alternative surgical option. We reported 4 cases of mandibular fracture using acrylic splints for closed reduction of the fracture site and fixation with circummandibular wiring. All 4 cases of mandibular fracture had excellent healing without any complication, with recovery of normal mandibular chewing function.

Key words: acrylic splint, fracture mandible, circummandibular wiring

Vajira Med J 2009 ; 54 : 95 - 102