Complications with intermaxillary fixation screws in the management of fractured mandibles

A dedicated bicortical bone screw for temporary intraoperative intermaxillary fixation (IMF) during open reduction and fixation of mandibular fractures offers many benefits to surgeons and patients. We have used this system for 2 years and confirm the benefits over traditional methods of intermaxillary fixation. However, complications can arise. One hundred and twenty-two patients with mandibular fractures had IMF screws of which five (4%) developed complications intraoperatively and postoperatively. Complications included fracture of the screws on insertion, iatrogenic damage to teeth causing loss and bony sequestra around the area of screw placement. (C) 2002 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.