LATERAL COMPRESSION SPLINTS AND VACUUM FORMED SPLINTS IN CLOSED REDUCTION AND FIXATION OF MANDIBULAR FRACTURES

Introduction: In the current fast moving lifestyle, the use of high speed automobiles, violence and sports-related injuries have alarmingly increased maxillofacial trauma in the past few decades. Mandible is at a prominent position on the face which makes it vulnerable to injuries in such situations and is therefore, one of the most commonly fractured facial bones.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of Vacuum-formed Splints with conventional Lateral Compression Splints in the closed reduction and fixation of mandibular fractures on the basis of clinical parameters and radiographic evaluation.

Methods: Total of 30 patients, both male and female, with minimally displaced mandibular fractures were considered for this study.

Results: Patients were randomly divided into 2 Groups (Group A-Study Group; treated with Vaccum-formed Splints and Group B-Control Group; treated with Lateral Compression Splints), with 15 patients in each Group. Group A included 15 male (100%) patients, while Group B comprised of 14 male (93.33%) and 1 female (6.66%) patients.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis and precise treatment is advocated in management of fractures of the mandible. In the present study statistically significant values were found in patient’s pain experience and gingival health in vacuum-formed splint over lateral compression splint. To prevent residual effect of trauma an oral surgeon must have an extremely broad knowledge of orthopedic appliances, a good understanding of the fundamental principles of occlusion, the altered physiology, pathology and the surgical principles involved.