Comparative Study of IMF with Screws Versus Archbar Fixation in the Management of Mandibular Fracture

Abstract

Introduction: Background- Facial injury has a high degree of emotional as well as physical trauma to the patients. Though there are a number of causes for facial trauma among which the common ones are road traffic accidents, falls, interpersonal violence and industrial accidents.

Aim- The aim of the study is to compare the efficacies of IMF screws with Erich’s Arch Bar in the management of trauma resulting in mandibular fractures. The present study is to see the Periodontal and periapical damage in the placement of IMF screws vs Erich’s arch bar for the management of mandibular fractures.

Material and methods- The selected patients were randomly divided into two groups of 15 each, and designated as Group A and Group B. In Group A IMF was achieved by the conventional method using Erich Arch Bar, fastened with 26-gauge wire. In Group B IMF was achieved by the use of 4-6 Stainless Steel IMF Screws measuring 2mm x 8mm each. Mean Pre-operative and postoperative OHIS value of the patients of the two groups were compared.

Discussion-Intermaxillary fixation (IMF)/ maxillo-mandibular fixation (MMF) has been used in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as a method of immobilizing the fractures and for application of traction force for reduction of fractures. In order to overcome the cumbersome procedure of tooth borne appliances, cortical bone screws were introduced by Arthur and Bernado in the year of 1989 to achieve IMF which is essentially a bone borne appliance.

Conclusion- IMF screws are easy to use and shorten the operating time and lower OHIS index than Erich arch bar.