CASE REPORTS   

Journal of Maxillofacial Trauma 2012 December;1(3):84-6

Copyright © 2013 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Use of intermaxillary fixation screws and the report of a new complication

Harris R. III ¹, Duke J. ², Nichols M. ³, Press S. ⁴

¹ Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; ² Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Northeast Texas Texarkana, TX, USA; ³ Oral and Facial Surgery, Manchester, TN, USA; ⁴ International Society of Maxillofacial Trauma Teaching, Brentwood, TN, USA

The use of intermaxillary fixation is the included in the hallmark of maxillofacial trauma repair. Intermaxillary fixation screws (IMF screws) have taken their role in the contemporary armamentarium of the maxillofacial surgeon. The ease of use, speed and less risk for injury to the provider has made them a very attractive alternative to arch bars. Complications previously reported have involved mainly soft tissue and injury to the adjacent teeth and tooth roots. We are reporting a new complication of iatrogenic fracture with the use of IMF screws.