Interdental application of bone reduction forceps: a simple alternative to a bridle wire

Abstract

The patient gave consent for the use of photographs for this paper. ridle wires have been used since the time of Hippocrates o stabilise fractures of the mandible.1 A pre-stretched wire s passed around the teeth on either side of the fracture and radually tightened by twisting the ends clockwise. This aids pen reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of mandible fracures as it temporarily eliminates any diastema and stabilises he fracture while internal fixation is completed.2 However, ires can damage the periodontium and teeth (including the isk of avulsion), and increase the risk of sharps injury.3,4 Bone reduction forceps can reduce and stabilise fractures ithout these risks, but the conventional method of placement equires monocortical holes to be drilled before the clamp is pplied. Further, bone-borne forceps may interfere with the osition and fixation of the plate. An alternative technique is to use bone reduction forceps etween the teeth (Fig. 1). It is advisable to incorporate at east two teeth on either side of the fracture and to avoid lacement across teeth that are compromised periodontally. Interdental clamps produce a similar result to that of bridle ires but application is easier, faster, and does not confer the ame risk of sharps injury. Removal is simpler and does not lace undesirable force on adjacent teeth, or further damage he gingiva. Minor periodontal trauma, similar to that with ridle wires is common, but heals postoperatively without he need for additional intervention.