Name of the Procedure:

Percutaneous Treatment of Mandibular Fracture with External Fixation

Summary

This procedure involves the minimally invasive treatment of a broken jaw (mandibular fracture) using an external device to stabilize the bones during healing.

Purpose

The procedure aims to realign and stabilize a fractured mandible, allowing it to heal correctly. It helps alleviate pain, improve function, and prevent complications associated with untreated jaw fractures.

Indications

• Severe pain and swelling around the jaw area, difficulty moving the jaw
• Misalignment of teeth due to the fracture
• Inability to properly bite down or chew
• Visible deformity in the jawline
• Diagnosed mandibular fractures from imaging studies
• Patients unsuitable for more invasive surgical treatments due to medical conditions

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure if general anesthesia is required.
• Adjustments or temporary cessation of certain medications as advised by the healthcare provider.
• Pre-procedure imaging (X-rays or CT scans) to assess fracture details.
• Thorough medical history and physical examination.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or general anesthesia is administered, depending on the case severity.
2. Incisions: Small percutaneous incisions are made near the fracture site.
3. Realignment: The fractured bones are realigned using specialized instruments.
4. Fixation: An external fixation device, such as brackets and rods, is attached to the bone through the skin. This device maintains the bone alignment during healing.
5. Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures or sterile strips, and the external fixation device is secured.

Tools and Equipment:

• Percutaneous instruments
• External fixation device
• Imaging equipment for guidance

Duration

The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the fracture.

Setting

Usually performed in a hospital operating room or a specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeon or orthopedic surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses and support staff

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Infection at the incision or fixation sites
• Minor bleeding or swelling

Rare Risks:

• Nerve damage leading to numbness
• Improper bone healing or malalignment
• Device failure or loosening

Benefits

• Effective stabilization of the fractured mandible
• Reduced pain and improved function
• Minimally invasive with a quicker recovery time compared to open surgery
• Early return to normal activities

Recovery

• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and adjust the external fixation device if necessary.
• Pain management using prescribed medications.
• Soft or liquid diet to avoid stressing the healing jaw.
• Oral hygiene measures to prevent infection.
• Expected recovery period of 6-8 weeks.

Alternatives

• Closed reduction with intermaxillary fixation (wiring jaws shut)
• Open reduction and internal fixation (surgical plates and screws) Pros and Cons:
• Closed reduction avoids surgery but may be uncomfortable with the jaw wired shut.
• Open reduction offers secure fixation but involves a more invasive surgery and longer recovery.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient is under anesthesia and will feel no pain. Post-procedure, the patient may experience discomfort, swelling, and limited jaw movement. Pain is managed with medications, and comfort measures include eating soft foods and maintaining good oral hygiene.