FEASIBILITY AND EFFICACY OF LAG SCREWS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MANDIBULAR SYMPHYSIS AND PARASYMPHYSIS FRACTURES

The most commonly used methods for fixation of mandibular fractures are Intermaxillary fixation, non-compression plates, Compression plates and Transosseous wiring. Only few studies are reported in the literature regarding Lag Screw fixation for the treatment of mandibular anterior fractures, & in most studies authors have used cortical screws (screws having threads all over the length of screw). The present study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of true lag screws (screws having threads at only terminal end) in the management of mandibular anterior fractures. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1) To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of lag screws having threads at only terminal end (true lag screws) for management of mandibular anterior fractures. 2) To evaluate the stability of mandibular anterior fractures fixed using true lag screws. 3) To evaluate the post-operative occlusion after true lag screw fixation for mandibular anterior fractures. 4) Radiographic evaluation of true lag screws fixation for mandibular anterior fractures MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 10 cases with mandibular anterior fractures which were admitted and treated in department of oral and maxillofacial surgery, P.M.N.M. Dental College and Hospital Bagalkot India. All cases gave their informed consent for participation in the study. The instituitional ethical committee clearance was obtained for conducting the study. Patients were evaluated as per intraoperative and postoperative protocol. RESULTS: None of the cases had intraoperative complications. Post operatively stability was obtained in all cases [100%]. 9 [90%] patients had good occlusion at six week follow up while 1 [10%] case required occlusal adjustment. 6 weeks post operatively none of the patients had any signs of mental nerve injury [100%]. All the screws in all 10 [100%] cases were in acceptable normal position without causing any damage to the roots or inferior alveolar nerve. CONCLUSION: Use of true Lag screws for mandibular anterior fractures makes the technique simpler than using screws having full length threads, and can be used as a routine technique in the treatment of mandibular anterior fractures.