Comparison of the morbidity associated with maxillary fractures treated by maxillomandibular and rigid internal fixation

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To compare the type and incidence of morbidity encountered by two groups of patients with maxillary fractures, one treated by closed reduction and maxillomandibular fixation and the other by open reduction and rigid internal fixation. This was a retrospective review of records for all patients with maxillary fractures treated over a 10-year period. Age, sex, mechanism of injury, anatomic location of fracture, treatment modality, and complications were identified. Two populations of patients, those treated with closed reduction and maxillomandibular fixation and those treated with open reduction and rigid internal fixation, that were similar in size (n = 50), age, sex, and anatomic distribution of fractures were compared. This study indicates that patients with maxillary fractures treated with either closed reduction and maxillomandibular fixation or open reduction and rigid internal fixation will encounter postoperative problems with a near equal frequency (60% to 64%). Regardless of the technique used, no relationship could be established between age, sex, or cause of injury. The more superior the level of the fracture, the higher the rate of adverse sequelae.