Stability Of Osteotomy Research Articles

The Use of Lag Screws in Mandibular Fractures

The use of screws and plates in the treatment of fractures and osteotomies of the facial bones promises the abandonment of intermaxillary fixation. For those who are adept with the instrumentation and have experience in applying the screws, such systems offer an approach to fracture treatment and osteotomy stabilization that is very much appreciated by patients.

Coral, a new biomedicalmaterial experimental and first clinical investigations on Madreporaria

The coral or Madreporaria skeleton is morphologically and chemically very close to mineral bone. In 1979 we began to experiment with the implantation of selected pieces of coral in the cranial or facial bones of dogs, pigs and monkeys. With the wide porous varieties we obtained a true reossification. With the other varieties we had a very stable implant and very good tolerance. For the past three years we have used Madreporaria in human surgery. The cases included the stabilization of facial osteotomies, bone apposition near the pyriform aperture, and the treatment of periodontal lesions.

Single arch stabilization devices for segmental orthognathic surgery

Single arch stabilization of segmental osteotomies is desirable because it eliminates intermaxillary fixation while it, in turn, improves oral hygiene and communication and patient comfort, function, and acceptability. Orthodontic appliances with stabilizing arch wires are the method of choice if available. Arch bars modified for segmental stabilization function very well as an alternative to orthodontic appliances. Cast splints are also useful for these cases, although cost and the need for expert laboratory support limit their acceptability. Certain other devices, such as palatal and lingual plates and interocclusal wafers, provide additional support for several of the above-mentioned stabilization systems.

Postoperative stabilization and intrusion of midface osteotomies with high-pull headgear

The two cases presented here illustrate advantageous uses of orthopedic-type craniomandibular headgear. Both cases demonstrate the use of headgear for postoperative cephalad movement of the maxilla. In Case 1 the use of headgear accomplished 6 mm. of anterior maxillary cephalad movement and 3.5 mm. of posterior maxillary cephalad movement. In Case 2 the use of postoperative headgear accomplished 8 mm. of anterior maxillary cephalad movement and 6.25 mm. of posterior maxillary cephalad movement. Table I indicates the duration of intermaxillary immobilization and the ensuing time that the cranial traction appliance was used. Fig. 10 illustrates the profile changes for Cases 1 and 2.

A New Intramedullary Fixation Device for the Distal Third of the Femur

A new fixation device was designed for fractures of the distal third of the femur. An additional use has been for the stabilization of supracondylar osteotomies. The device consists of two- pre-shaped rods which are inserted through the medial and lateral femoral condyles into the medullary canal. The proximal end is ductile and the distal end rigid. Cross compression screws through the distal condylar ends anchor the rods and provide additional fixation for inter-condylar fractures. The preliminary experience in 17 patients demonstrates case of insertion and satisfactory internal fixation.