Fracture Diagnosis And IMF
Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is an age old procedure which is used for treatment of fractures involving maxillomandibular complex. Conventionally various types of tooth mounted devices like arch bars, dental and interdental wiring, metallic and nonmetallic splints are used to achieve intermaxillary fixation.
Fracture Diagnosis And IMF
However tooth borne devices are always associated with problems like poor oral hygiene, periodontal health, extrusion of teeth, loss of tooth vitality, traumatic ulcer of buccal and labial mucosa and needle stick injury to the operator. Besides this, the procedure is time consuming. It is also not suitable in patients having multiple missing teeth, grossly carious teeth, crown and bridge work, extensively restored and periodontally weakened teeth
Fracture Diagnosis and Intermaxillary Fixation (IMF) Procedure:
- Fracture Diagnosis: This involves physical examination, clinical history, and imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to determine the type, location, and severity of the bone fracture.
- Preoperative Assessment: Before proceeding with IMF, the patient's overall health, dental condition, and facial structure are evaluated to ensure that they are fit for surgery and to plan the procedure.
- Intermaxillary Fixation (IMF): IMF is a procedure used to treat fractures of the jaw (mandible or maxilla) by aligning the fractured bones. It involves wiring the upper and lower jaws together, sometimes using plates, screws, or brackets, to immobilize the fracture and allow healing.
- Postoperative Care: After the IMF procedure, patients need a liquid or soft food diet as jaw movement is restricted. Pain management, infection prevention, and regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor healing.
- Recovery and Removal: IMF wires are usually removed after 4-6 weeks, once the bones have sufficiently healed. Physiotherapy may be recommended to restore full jaw function post-IMF.