The Role of External Fixation in Trauma and Reconstruction of the Mandible in the Age of Rigid Fixation

Abstract

Internal rigid fixation is the gold-standard treatment for facial fractures, but there are some specific cases that are more amenable to external fixation (ex-fix) application. Herein, we discuss advantages and disadvantages to ex-fix in the modern treatment of comminuted mandible fractures, infected mandible fractures, fractures of the condylar region, oncologic mandibular resection, pediatric mandible fractures, and fractures in the edentulous patient.