A comparative study of smart lock hybrid arch bar with IMF (Intermaxillary fixation) screws in maxillomandibular fixation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background and Objective: The “Universal Smart lock Hybrid IMF” system was designed to combine the mechanical strength and benefits of Erich arch bar (EAB) fixation with the speed and safety of intermaxillary fixation (IMF) screws. This study was done to compare the stability and efficacy of the “Smart lock Hybrid IMF System” with that of “IMF Screws” for the management of maxillomandibular trauma. Materials and Methods: This comparative prospective study involved 20 randomly selected patients, of which 10 patients had received IMF with Hybrid Arch bars (group A) and 10 patients had received IMF with IMF screws (group B) along with open reduction if required. The outcome variables were IMF stability, tooth root impingement, surgical time taken, soft tissue overgrowth, post-op pain, and postop occlusion. The groups were compared using independent test, chi-square test. The differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. Results: The mean percentage of screws loosened in group A was less than group B. The mean application time was significantly longer in group A than in group B. The number of roots impinged with Hybrid group having higher as compared to IMF screw group. The intergroup comparison of soft tissue overgrowth was higher in group B than in group A. The results of the chi-square test revealed non-significant difference in terms of occlusion between the two groups with a P value of 0.998. Conclusion: Hybrid arch bars are the best option in comparison with IMF screws on the basis of stability, soft tissue overgrowth and also it has versatility in application.
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7117325295