Comparison of Erich arch bar versus embrasure wires for intraoperative intermaxillary fixation in mandibular fractures.

Purpose: Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is a fundamental principle in the management of mandibular fractures but with recent advent of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), use of IMF is almost limited intraoperatively. Therefore, we compared the efficacy of Erich arch bar versus embrasure wires for intraoperative IMF in mandibular fractures.

Method: This prospective study was comprised of 50 patients with mandibular fractures who required ORIF with intraoperative IMF.