Effective Reduction of the Frontal Process of the Maxillary Fracture Segment Using Intermaxillary Fixation Screw

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: It is relatively unusual that infraorbital rim fracture is accompanied by nasal bone fracture. In order to correct effectively, subciliary approach and intranasal manipulation are applied simultaneously. But if reduction is not successful, intranasal manipulation may become aggressive and this often causes complications. We introduce a method using intermaxillary fixation screws for decreasing such complications and effective reduction of fracture. METHODS: Total seven patients with fracture of frontal process of maxilla were treated with this method. The fracture site was exposed through the subciliary approach, and one or two screws were inserted into the displaced fracture fragment. During the traction of the screws using the wire, the fracture fragment was pushed upward from the intranasal side using an elevator supplementarily and fixed with a plate and the screws. RESULTS: In all patients, the fracture fragment was reduced successfully and no complication occurred during one year's postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: When reduction cannot be attained through a bone hook or an elevator alone, reduction of fracture fragment can be done easily using intermaxillary fixation screws. This method is less likely to cause a mucosal injury because intranasal manipulation is not aggressive. Furthermore, as the screw can be inserted and removed easily, this method is considered effective not only for fracture of frontal process of maxilla but also for fractures in other regions.