Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background and objectives: Numerous methods have been described for the achievement of Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) in the treatment of fractures of facial skeleton. Conventional methods like arch bars and eyelet wires are currently most common methods for achieving IMF, but they have their own disadvantages. During last 10 years, IMF using intraoral self tapping IMF screws has been introduced for the treatment of mandibular fractures. The aim of this work was to evaluate efficacy of self tapping IMF screws, minimize the associated complications and their potential advantages in the management of mandibular fractures. Methods: Thirty patients with mandibular fractures, who reported to Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Jaipur Dental College, Jaipur were evaluated. To evaluate the efficacy of this method, different parameters were considered such as postoperative occlusion, pain, oral hygiene, soft tissue covering, possible iatrogenic dental injuries, incidence of needle stick injuries and time taken for the intermaxillary fixation with self tapping IMF screws. Results: The most important complication was iatrogenic damage to dental roots seen in 1 case (3.33%), needle stick injuries were encountered in 1(3.33%) case and time taken for intermaxillary fixation was in the range of 12 – 21 (Mean 15.6 Min.) minutes. Postoperative malocclusion was observed in 1(3.33%) case. Interpretation and Conclusion: Use of self tapping IMF screws for intermaxillary fixation is a valid alternative to conventional methods in the treatment of mandibular fractures. Iatrogenic injury to dental roots is the most important problem of this procedure, but can be minimized by careful evaluation and treatment planning. Key words: Intermaxillary fixation; self tapping IMF screws; mandibular fractures.