Plate osteosynthesis of 367 mandibular fractures. The unrestricted indication for the intraoral approach.

Experience in the management of 916 fractures of the mandible stimulated us to develop new methods and surgical techniques for functionally-stable intraoral internal plate osteosynthesis. The development of a fixation bar which is adapted to the alveolar process of the fractured mandible enables a compression of this area prior to the plate osteosynthesis. This procedure facilitates the plate application from the intraoral approach so that in 358 cases all types of fractures of the body, angle and ascending ramus can be reduced using this access, and not only the selected favourable cases. A new plate and screws of our own design have been successfully used in cases with comminuted multifragmentary and defect fractures. The rigid fixation of the head of the screws to the plate produces an optimal functional stability compared with conventional systems. The combination of the advantages of an external fixation device and those of stable internal osteosynthesis produces a long term functional stability even in cases with extensive defects where delayed consolidation is to be expected; tilting and loosening of the screws or resorption of the compact bone underneath the plate do not occur. Thus the extraoral approach and visible skin incisions can be avoided. This procedure is time sparing and less traumatic to the soft tissues compared with the extraoral approach. The extremely low complication rate in 358 fractures managed by plate osteosynthesis using the intraoral approach confirms the efficiency of this method.