ORIF, lag screws

The mandibular symphysis undergoes rotational forces (twisting or torsional) during its function and fixation strategies must take this into account.

When using anything less stable than a reconstruction plate, two points of fixation should be applied. This can be:

• Two lag screws
• Two plates
• 3D plate (such as a ladder, box, or strut plate)
• A single stronger plate in combination with an arch bar

The illustration shows Champy's ideal lines of osteosynthesis for symphysis fractures.

A fracture of the mandibular symphysis is well suited for lag screw fixation due to the symphysis's shape. At least two screws inserted perpendicular to the fracture surface are required for three-dimensional stability and neutralization of rotational forces. Their placement must be caudal to the mental foramen.

• A detailed description of the lag here screw technique and its biomechanical principles can be found here

The following special considerations may need to be considered:

• Complications

AO Teaching video on lag screw insertion

This procedure is typically performed with the patient placed in a supine position.

• Details on patient preparation

For this procedure, the transoral approach to the symphysis is typically used.

The fracture is exposed, and arch bars are applied.

It is necessary to drill a monocortical hole below the teeth' apices on both sides of the fracture to help place the reduction forceps.

Manipulate the mandibular fragments until anatomic reduction is achieved. Apply the reduction forceps and then place the patient into occlusion with MMF.

Some surgeons prefer to place the patient into occlusion and apply MMF before using the reduction forceps.

The clamp must be placed perpendicular to the fracture line to prevent fracture displacement when tightening the reduction clamp.

Depending on the fracture plane orientation, lag screw alignment will vary. For sagittal fractures through the anterior mandible, lag screws placed through the outer cortices from one side to the other within the substance of the mandible (buccal cortex to buccal cortex) provide extremely stable fixation.

Note that the screws and the resultant compression are directed perpendicular to the level of the fracture.

For fractures that obliquely pass through the mandible, lag screws are placed from the buccal to the lingual cortices.

Note that the screws and the resultant compression are again directed perpendicular to the level of the fracture.

Click here for a detailed demonstration of the lag screw technique.

In general, a minimum of two lag screws should be used to provide stable internal fixation of mandibular symphysis fractures.
Because the symphysis undergoes twisting during function, a single lag screw cannot prevent such motion from occurring.

It can be very challenging to drill two parallel holes caudad to the mental foramen. Using a lag screw drill guide will significantly improve the surgeon's ability to achieve this goal. This drill guide rests on the drill entry point and has a pointer for the exit site on the symphysis's contralateral side.

Occasionally it is more convenient to place screws from opposite sides. From a biomechanical standpoint, it is an equally strong construct.

Confirm adequate reduction. There should be no gap in the lingual aspect that would lead to occlusal disturbance and mandibular widening or splaying.

It may be necessary to place significant traction on the lower lip to visualize the reduction of the inferior lingual border.

MMF should be released, and the occlusion checked.

Because two lag screws have been applied, the arch bars may be removed after the fixation is completed.

X-ray shows the completed osteosynthesis.

If significant degloving of the soft tissues of the mandible has occurred, there may be a consideration for using a jaw bra or similar support dressing.

If arch bars or MMF screws are used intraoperatively, they are usually removed at the conclusion of surgery if proper fracture reduction and fixation have been achieved. Arch bars may be maintained postoperatively if functional therapy is required or if required as part of the fixation.

Postoperative x-rays are taken within the first days after surgery. In an uneventful course, follow-up x-rays are taken after 4–6 weeks.

The patient is examined approximately 1 week postoperatively and periodically thereafter to assess the stability of the occlusion and to check for infection of the surgical wound. During each visit, the surgeon must evaluate the patient's ability to perform adequate oral hygiene and wound care and provide additional instructions if necessary. Many patients need to be seen regularly for replacement of their intermaxillary elastics and to encourage range of motion in their TMJ in the later course of the treatment.

Follow-up appointments are at the discretion of the surgeon and depend on the stability of the occlusion on the first visit. If a malocclusion is noted and treatable with training elastics, weekly appointments are recommended.

The patient should be warned to continue routine follow up with their dentist. Fractures near the dental roots can often result in delayed loss of tooth viability, requiring periapical films and additional dental procedures.

If a malocclusion is detected, the surgeon must ascertain its etiology (with appropriate imaging technique). If the malocclusion is secondary to surgical edema or muscle splinting, training elastics may be beneficial. The lightest elastics as possible are used for guidance, because active motion of the mandible is desirable. Patients should be shown how to place and remove the elastics using a hand mirror.

If the malocclusion is secondary to a bony problem due to inadequate reduction or hardware failure or displacement, elastic training will be of no benefit. The patient must return to the operating room for revision surgery.

Depending upon the stability of the internal fixation, the diet can vary between liquid and semi-liquid to “as tolerated”, at the discretion of the surgeon. Any elastics are removed during eating.

Patients having only extraoral approaches are not compromised in their routine oral hygiene measures and should continue with their daily schedule.

Patients with intraoral wounds must be instructed in appropriate oral hygiene procedures. The presence of the arch-bars and any elastics makes this a more difficult procedure than normal. A soft toothbrush (dipping in warm water makes it softer) should be used to clean the surfaces of the teeth and arch-bars. Any elastics are removed for oral hygiene procedures. Chlorhexidine oral rinses should be prescribed and used at least three times each day to help sanitize the mouth. Chlorohexidine may cause staining of the teeth and should not be used longer than necessary. For larger debris, a 1:1 mixture of hydrogen peroxide (0.25%)/chlorhexidine (0.12%) can be used. The bubbling action of the hydrogen peroxide helps remove debris. A water flosser, providing a water jet, is a very useful tool to help remove debris from the wires. If a this is used, care should be taken not to direct the jet stream directly over intraoral incisions as this may lead to wound dehiscence.

Physiotherapy can be prescribed at the first visit and opening and excursive exercises begun as soon as possible. Goals should be set, and, typically, 40 mm of maximum interincisal jaw opening should be attained by 4 weeks postoperatively. If the patient cannot fully open his mouth, additional passive physical therapy may be required such as Therabite® or tongue-blade training.