Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open • Vol 5 • No 9
A Technique for Reduction of Edentulous Fractures Using Dentures and SMARTLock Hybrid Fixation System
September 2017 • Anna R. Carlson, Ronnie L. Shammas, Alexander C. Allori, David B. Powers
Summary: Establishing anatomic reduction of an edentulous mandible fracture is a frequently acknowledged challenge in craniomaxillofacial trauma surgery. In this study, we report a novel method for the reduction of the edentulous mandible fracture, via fabrication of modified Gunning splints using existing dentures and SMARTLock hybrid arch bars. This technique dramatically simplifies the application of an arch bar to dentures, obviates the need for the fabrication of impressions and custom splints, and eliminates…