Retrospective Study on Efficacy of Intermaxillary Fixation Screws.

Background: We evaluated the efficacy of intermaxillary fixation (IMF) screws in the treatment of mandibular fractures.

Methods: Two hundred patients with mandibular fractures, treated by IMF using these screws, were evaluated by pre and postoperative panoramic radiographs. Clinical testing was carried out for vitality and abnormal mobility of teeth adjacent to the site of screw insertions. Other factors such as possible iatrogenic dental injuries, loss, breakage or screw cover by oral mucosa and postoperative occlusion were also studied.

Results: The most important complication noticed was iatrogenic damage to dental roots.

Conclusions: Use of intraoral cortical bone screws for IMF is a valid alternative to arch bars in the treatment of mandibular fractures. Iatrogenic injury to dental roots is the commonest problem which can be minimized by an experienced surgeon.