Effect of intermaxillary fixation on pulmonary function.

A study to measure the pulmonary effects of intermaxillary fixation (IMF) demonstrated that this technique produces a significant degree of airway obstruction. This may be dangerous to patients with limited respiratory reserve due to chronic obstructive airways disease. The impairment of pulmonary function can be assessed pre-operatively and should be estimated in high risk patients. Alternative management of stabilization of jaw fractures that avoid IMF should be considered in such patients.