Evaluation of Surgical Splinting Techniques for Jaw Fractures: A Comparative Clinical Review at Jos University Teaching Hospital

Jaw fracture management in Nigeria's public tertiary hospitals relies on a range of fixation techniques, including intermaxillary fixation (IMF) with Erich arch bars, titanium plate osteosynthesis, and external pin fixation. The choice of technique is influenced by fracture pattern, patient factors, available resources, and surgeon experience. This comparative clinical review evaluates the functional outcomes, complication rates, and patient experience associated with different surgical splinting techniques for mandibular and maxillary fractures at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. A retrospective case-comparison study reviewed 78 jaw fracture cases managed between 2020 and 2023. Patients were grouped by primary fixation technique: IMF alone, IMF with miniplate ORIF, or miniplate ORIF alone. Outcomes measured at six weeks include occlusal stability, mouth opening, infection rate, malocclusion, and patient comfort scores. Results indicate that ORIF with titanium miniplates achieved superior occlusal stability and fewer malunion cases, though cost represented a significant barrier to its universal application. IMF-alone cases had higher rates of patient discomfort and weight loss during the fixation period. Hybrid approaches combining brief IMF with ORIF showed favorable outcomes in the management of comminuted fractures. The study provides evidence for context-sensitive protocol development in the management of jaw fractures across North Central tertiary facilities. Keywords: jaw fracture, intermaxillary fixation, ORIF, titanium plates, Jos Teaching Hospital.