Treatment of mandibular fractures with rigid osteosynthesis: using the AO system.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the results achieved in the surgical treatment of all mandibular fractures at two university centers using the 2.7 AO mandibular system.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A total of 227 patients presenting with 180 single fractures and 47 with double fractures (274 osteosyntheses) were included in this prospective study.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 27.5 months (minimum, 12 months), an overall complication rate of 7% was observed. No infection justified early removal of the osteosynthesis material.

CONCLUSIONS

The systematic use of the technique recommended by AO for treating mandibular fractures, performed by thoroughly experienced operators on a compliant population, results in a low rate of complications and an early return to normal function.