Rigid internal fixation for the treatment of infected mandibular fractures.

A review of the literature is presented that shows that treatment of infected fractures by rigid internal fixation is biologically sound. A protocol for managing infected mandibular fractures with plate and screw fixation was developed and used on 11 patients. All patients had osseous union of the fracture and none required removal of the bone plate. This protocol is recommended as a viable option in the treatment of infected mandibular fractures.