Optimizing Pediatric Interdental Fixation by Use of a Paramedian Palatal Fixation Site:

Resorbable Versus Titanium Rigid Fixation for Pediatric Mandibular Fractures: A Systematic Review, Institutional Experience and Comparative Analysis

Study Design

Pediatric mandible fractures mandate special consideration because of unerupted teeth, mixed dentition, facial growth and the inability to tolerate maxillomandibular fixation. No consensus exists as to whether resorbable or titanium plating systems are superior with regards to clinical outcomes.

Objective

This study aims to systematically review and compare the outcomes of both material types in the treatment of pediatric mandible fractures.

Methods

After PROSPERO registration, studies from 1990-2020 publishing on outcomes of ORIF of pediatric mandible fractures were systematically reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines. An additional retrospective review was conducted at a pediatric level 1 trauma center.

Results

1,144 patients met inclusion criteria (30.5% resorbable vs. 69.5% titanium). Total complication rate was 13%, and 10% required a second, unplanned operation. Complication rates in the titanium and resorbable groups were not significantly different (14% vs. 10%; P = 0.07), and titanium hardware was more frequently removed on an elective basis (P < 0.001). Condylar/sub-condylar fractures were more often treated with resorbable hardware (P = 0.01); whereas angle fractures were more often treated with titanium hardware (P < 0.001). Within both cohorts, fracture type did not increase the risk of complications, and comparison between groups by anatomic level did not demonstrate any significant difference in complications.

Conclusions

Pediatric mandible fractures requiring ORIF are rare, and hardware-specific outcomes data is scarce. This study suggests that titanium and resorbable plating systems are equally safe, but titanium hardware often requires surgical removal. Surgical approach should be tailored by fracture anatomy, age-related concerns and surgeon preference.

Resorbable Versus Titanium Hardware for Rigid Fixation of Pediatric Upper and Midfacial Fractures: Which Carries a Lower Risk Profile?

PURPOSE

Titanium associated risks have led to interest in resorbable hardware for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of pediatric facial fractures. This study aims to systematically review and compare the outcomes of titanium/resorbable hardware used for ORIF of upper/midfacial fractures to determine which hardware carries a higher complication rate in the pediatric patient.

METHODS

Studies published between 1990 and 2020 on the ORIF of pediatric upper/midfacial fractures were systematically reviewed. A retrospective institutional review was also conducted, and both arms were compiled for final analysis. The primary predictor value was the type of hardware used and the primary outcome was the presence of a complication. Fisher's exact test and 2-proportion 2-tailed z-test calculations were used to determine statistical significance, which was defined as a P value < .05. The low quality of published evidence precluded meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Systematic review of 23 studies identified 659 patients, and 77 patients were identified in the institutional review. A total of 736 patients (299 resorbable, 437 titanium) were included in the final analysis. Total complication rate was 22.8%. The titanium group had a higher complication rate (27 vs 16.7%; P < .01), and more often underwent elective hardware removal (87.3 vs 0%, P < .01). In each hardware subgroup, the incidence of complications was analyzed by fracture site. In the titanium group, complication incidence was higher when treating maxillary fractures (32.8 vs 22.9%, P = .03). When comparing the 2 hardware groups by fracture site, maxillary fractures had a higher rate of complications when treated by titanium hardware compared with resorbable hardware (32.8 vs 18%, P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Upper/midfacial pediatric fractures requiring ORIF, especially maxillary fractures, may be best treated with resorbable hardware. Additional hardware-specific outcomes data is encouraged.

Novel and Affordable Low-Cost Technique for Fixation of Parasymphyseal Fractures in Infants With Unerupted Dentition

PURPOSE

Pediatric mandibular fractures are immensely challenging compared to adult fractures. The current update management spectrum ranges from the conservative one in the form of soft diet and regular follow-up, or less invasive surgical intervention by closed reduction and nonrigid fixation, to open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws. In this study, we investigated the use of a straightforward fabricated mold for the parasymphyseal mandibular fracture in infants with an unerupted dentition.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study was conducted on 8 infants presenting with parasymphyseal fractures with unerupted dentitions in our specialized trauma center. In the operating room before the induction of anesthesia, the authors used a straightforward plastic airway to create a splint. The curved part was split into 2 transverse halves making 2 U-shaped curved pieces that were utilized as a mold. Intraoperatively, the U-shaped piece was placed over the mandible and stabilized with circummandibular wires. This molded airway is used to stabilize the fracture site for 2-3 weeks. The average period of follow-up was around 6 months.

RESULTS

The average time of mandibular fixation was 17.6 ± 2.4 SD (14 to 20) days. The mean of the total operative time was 38.7 ± 3.5 SD minutes, ranging from 35 to 45 minutes. Our infants were observed in the outpatient clinic for 6 months postoperatively during the follow-up period. There were no noticeable complications nor any interference with tooth eruption or mandibular growth.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that this technique is straightforward to use and affordable. It does not require a long learning period. It also exhibits the advantage of reducing the cost in many developing countries.

Palatal Wiring: Renewing an Old Technique (Circumpalatal Wiring)

Circumpalatal wiring has 2 negative points. The first is premature loosening of the wire and the second is tongue irritation caused by exposed wire in roof of the mouth. In this article, a modified technique (palatal wiring) is introduced in which these 2 problems are targeted. In this technique, a small bur hole is created into the hard palate, without the need for flap reflection and wire is passed through it, grasps in the nose, and returns to the oral cavity via sublabial puncture point then 2 ends are twisted in labial vestibule. Palatal wiring can be used alone or as an aid to firmly secure arch bar.