The need for treatment of a mandibular fracture requiring splinting, wiring of teeth, circumosseous fixation, or external fixation arises when a patient sustains a significant mandibular fracture—often from trauma—causing instability or displacement, necessitating surgical stabilisation under anesthesia with assistance in a hospital using wiring or external devices to ensure proper healing. This is indicated for complex mandibular fractures, critical where jaw stability affects maxillofacial function.
Reasons include:
For instance, a patient with a broken mandible from a fall might need wiring and fixation for stability, with assistance for precision. In aged care, an elderly patient could benefit for function, given frailty. By stabilising the fracture, this service ensures healing, restores function, and prevents deformity, making it a key maxillofacial procedure.
Stabilises mandibular fracture, restores jaw function, and prevents misalignment.
Recovery of 6-8 weeks with swelling, wired jaws, and soft diet; hospital stay required.
