Alternative method for temporary stabilisation of displaced mandibular fractures

A 19-year-old man presented to the oral and maxillofacial department with a displaced fracture of the right mandibular parasymphysis after an alleged assault (Fig. 1). He was admitted, given antibiotics intravenously, and placed on the emergency theatre list for fixation. Because of the number of emergency cases waiting, his operation was delayed for over 12hours. Previous studies have shown that this is commonplace for oral and maxillofacial surgical (OMFS) patients (60% are on acute theatre lists waiting more than 12hours, and 29% wait more than 24hours).
Source: The British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Tags: Technical note Source Type: research