Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: MMF for the management of jaw fractures leads to compromised nutritional intake and consequent weight loss and poor qol.This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a home basd dietary plan to prevent weight loss and its effect on qol of patients who underwent four weeks of MMF for the treatment of maxillofacial fractures. Maxillomandibular fixation is a closed reduction technique that interferes with normal nutrition and dietary intake especially of solid and semisolid foods and thus results in weight loss and malnutrition, which in turn can affect the patient’s recovery. Therefore, in this study, we explain the degree and pattern of weight loss of patients who have undergone treatment with MMF. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients were randomized into nutritional intervention group 1 and non intervention group 2. Group 1 were counseled by dietician and given a diet plan. Group 2 were advised to take a liquid diet of their own choice in the form of shakes , juices ,milk along with proyeinsupplemets. The patient’s weight was measured and compared before and after the treatment. Results: Pateintsin group 1 lost significantly less weight compared to group 2. Group 1 pateints had significantly better oral health realtedqol in the physical pain domainduring the two weeks of IMF. They had better nutrition related qol in all the domains during the MMF period. Conclusion: Although no severe and acute malnutrition was seen among our patients, MMF led to mild to moderate malnutrition in some cases. It is therefore mandatory to use nutritional supplements in patients undergoing maxillomandibular fixation.