Treatment of anterior mandibular fractures by lag screw - A systematic review

Abstract

Different techniques that meet the basic principles of open reduction and internal fixation with either plates and screws or lag screws may treat anterior mandibular fractures (AMFs).This review article aims at assessing the effectiveness of lag screw fixation in the treatment of AMFs. Using the following electronic databases, a systematic electronic search was carried out: PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and Wolters Kluwer. The following search words were used in single or in combination: AMFs, fixation, and lag screw. Any randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, or retrospective studies regarding the lag screw fixation in the management of AMFs were included. Studies of more than 10 years were not included in this study. This study was reviewed in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 13 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis of this review. The majority of the studies were comparative studies between the lag screw and the mini plate. In lag screw groups, the duration of surgery, postoperative radiographic distance, and biting ability reported better outcomes than in miniplate groups. A sensitive, simplistic, accurate, and relatively inexpensive approach to internal fixation for AMFs is the lag screw fixation. The Lag screw provides an effective and rapid rigid internal fixation in the treatment of AMFs. Although it is a technique-sensitive procedure for fixation of AMFs, it permits the skilled surgeon to achieve the most favorable stability and functional rehabilitation with the minimum amount of materials.