Aim: To evaluate the difference and functional outcome between open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and intermaxillary fixation (IMF) in mandibular fractures.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faryal Dental College, Sheikhupura, Lahore from 1st February 2019 to 31st January 2021.

Methodology: One hundred and fifty seven patients treated for fractures of mandible and reviewed their prognosis based on use of intermaxillary fixation after reduction of fracture. The patients were divided into two groups; Manual reduction group without the intermaxillary fixation and the intermaxillary fixation group.

Results: Good results have been obtained in most patients after mandible fracture reduction. However, complications occurred in 19 (27.5%) patients in group 2 after surgery. 6 patients had an infection, 4 patients had a wound dehiscence, and 4 patients had osteomyelitis. No loosening of the mounting bolts and/or crack of the mounting plates was observed. Correct occlusion was achieved using posterior arch wires and elastic rings in 2 malocclusion patients. Occlusion failed in two patients in Group 1 due to osteomyelitis, and the second operation was performed under general anaesthesia. The mean complication severity scores for Group 1 and Group 2 were 1.37 and 1.38, respectively, with no significant difference.

Conclusion: Among the patients treated with manual reduction, 2 patients had malocclusion and 1 patient required a new surgery. Such a simple mandible fracture can give good results even with manual reduction without intermaxillary fixation. For a simple mandible fracture, only manual reduction without intermaxillary fixation or intermaxillary fixation was recommended for a short time.

Key words: Complication, Fracture, Internal fixation, Mandible