Suitability of Wrist External Fixator for Treatment of Mandibular Fracture

The mandibular fracture is one of the most commonly fractures of the facial bones. In high-energy traumas, a comminuted mandible fracture may occur. The closed reduction with external fixator is an interesting alternative for these types of fractures. The aim of this article is to report the case of a patient with comminuted fracture in the right mandibular body, whose surgical treatment was the noninvasive reduction of fracture and stabilization using a Colles' wrist external fixator. After 1 year of follow-up, the patient is without complaints, with satisfactory dental occlusion, adequate contour, and mandibular alignment. External fixation with wrist orthopedic fixators adapted to the mandible provides many advantages owing to its versatility and simplicity of use. Therefore, this method should be remembered as a valid and affordable option for the treatment of complex lesions when indicated correctly. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Marília Gabriela Mendes de Alencar, School of Dentistry, University of Pernambuco, 1650 General Newton Cavalcanti Avenue, Recife, PE, 54.753-220, Brazil; E-mail: mariliagma@gmail.com Received 8 December, 2017 Accepted 23 December, 2017 The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2018 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

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