Comparison of Efficiency of Intermaxillary Fixation Screws Versus Erich Arch Bars for Maxillomandibular Fixation in Maxillofacial Trauma: Intermaxillary Fixation Screws Versus Erich Arch Bars for Maxillomandibular Fixation

Muhammad Khalil; Uzair Bin Akhtar; Komal Akram; Mustafa Ayub Khawaja; Maria Jabbar; Ifra Tufail

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v7i5.3405

Authors

Muhammad Khalil Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sharif Medical and Dental Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Uzair Bin Akhtar Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sharif Medical and Dental Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Komal Akram Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sharif Medical and Dental Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Mustafa Ayub Khawaja Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sharif Medical and Dental Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Maria Jabbar Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sharif Medical and Dental Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Ifra Tufail Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sharif Medical and Dental Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v7i5.3405

Keywords:

Maxillomandibular Fixation, Intermaxillary Fixation Screws, Erich Arch Bars, Maxillofacial Trauma, Occlusion

Abstract

Maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) is a popular intervention tool for maxillofacial fractures. Erich arch bars are used historically, but intermaxillary fixation screws provide some potential benefits, including less time in surgery and better oral health. Objective: To compare the Erich arch bar with intermaxillary fixation screws in maxillomandibular fixation in facial fractures. Methods: This prospective comparative trial was carried out in Sharif Medical and Dental College and involved 60 patients who needed maxillomandibular fixation after maxillofacial trauma. There were two groups of patients: intermaxillary fixation screws (n=30) and Erich arch bars (n=30). The assessment of the post-operative occlusal stability, duration of the surgery, and the assessment of oral hygiene based on the Oral Hygiene Index were performed with the help of SPSS version 23.0. Results: The intermaxillary fixation screw group showed a shorter surgical time, as well as superior oral hygiene (p<0.05). The groups did not show any significant difference in the postoperative occlusal stability (p=0.389). Conclusion: intermaxillary fixation screws offer similar occlusion potentialities at lower operative duration and with improved oral health as compared with Erich arch bar.

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