The use of resorbable plates in association with dental arch stabilization in the treatment of mandibular fractures in children

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of resorbable plate fixation in association with dental arch stabilization in the treatment of displaced mandibular fractures in children. Patients and methods: Thirteen children (5 girls and 8 boys, age range 2 years 5 months to 12 years 2 months) with displaced mandibular fractures were included in this case series. Open reduction by intraoral approach was performed on these patients, and the fractures were fixed using resorbable plates and monocortical screws placed at the lower border of the mandible. At the same time, an arch bar or orthodontic wire splint was anchored using stainless steel wires or resin on the teeth to stabilize the whole mandibular dental arch. Postoperatively, follow-up was undertaken to evaluate the fracture healing, mandible movement, and mandible growth. Results: Postoperatively, all patients achieved uneventful healing; premorbid occlusion restoration and wound healing were achieved, along with unimpaired function and normal growth and development of the mandible. Complications such as damage to tooth buds, infection, malunion, and nonunion were not encountered in these patients. Conclusion: Resorbable plates use in association with dental arch stabilization can provide good stabilization for mandibular fractures and is a promising approach for the treatment of displaced mandibular fractures in children. (C) 2013 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.