Results of Maxillo-Mandibular Blocking in the Management of Maxillofacial Fractures in a Country With Limited Resources

IntroductionMaxillomandibular blocking is common practice in our setting.The aim of this study was to describe the results of maxillomandibular blocking in the management of maxillomandibular fractures.Material and methodsThis was a retrospective descriptive study carried out over a 2-year period (January 2021 to December 2022), including the records of patients managed for maxillofacial fractures and treated with maxillomandibular blocking .ResultsThe mean age of patients was 30.24 years, with extremes ranging from 4 to 61 years. Males predominated (84.4%), with a sex ratio of 6.40. The etiology was dominated by road traffic accidents in 93% of cases (n=262), due mainly to 2- or 3-wheeled vehicles. . The socio-professional stratum was dominated by motor-taxi drivers in 42% of cases (n=119). Mandibular fractures were the most common bone lesions in 45% of cases (n=126). Maxillo-mandibular blockages on vestibular arches were the most common in 70% of cases (n=196). The mean duration of blocking was 29.5 days, ranging from 7 days to 52 days. Treatment was considered successful in 99% of cases (n=274). 1 case of manducatory dysfunction and 2 cases of mandibular osteitis were noted as complications after a 6-month follow-up.ConclusionMaxillo-mandibular blocking enabled restoration and maintenance of the dental articulation, guaranteeing good fracture consolidation and recovery of good masticatory function.