Experimental and clinical results of new advances in the treatment of facial trauma.

Theoretical considerations and photoelastic and mechanical experiments showed us the progression from metal wires to metal plates in different systems. In the midface there is no question about stabilization by miniplate systems. For mandibular fracture treatment, there is a discussion going on at present about the use of stable maxisystems versus less stable minisystems. Our clinical experience of 15 years indicates that there is no further demand for strict stable fixation of mandibular fractures, and we were encouraged to use less stable systems with similar good results, as our follow-up and statistical evaluation showed. To continue the simplification of osteosynthesis methods we are performing experiments with resorbable materials. Early results show fracture healing comparable with that found with plate-and-screw systems. Our clinical experience has shown that there is no longer any question about the ability of stable fracture treatment by means of osteosynthesis. However, there still is the question of how functional such fracture treatment might be.