RESULTS OF MAXILLO-MANDIBULAR BLOCKAGE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MAXIL-LOFACIAL FRACTURES IN A COUNTRY WITH LIMITED RESOUR

Introduction Maxillomandibular blockade is common practice in our context
The objective of this work was to present the results of maxillomandibular blockade in the management of maxillomandibular
fractures.
Material and methods This was a retrospective study with a descriptive aim carried out over a period of 2 years (January
2021 to December 2022), including the files of patients treated for maxillofacial fractures and treated with maxillomandibular
blockade.
Results The average age of the patients was 30.24 years with the extremes ranging from 4 to 61 years. The male gender was
predominant (84.4%) with a sex ratio of 6.40. The etiology was dominated by road traffic accidents in 93% of cases (n=262)
mainly due to 2 or 3 wheel vehicles. The socio-professional layer was dominated by motorcycle taxi drivers in 42% of cases
(n=119). Mandibular fractures were the most common bone lesions in 45% of cases (n=126). Maxillo-mandibular blocks
on vestibular arches were the most performed in 70% of cases (n=196). The average duration of the blockade was 29.5 days
ranging from 7 days to 52 days. The treatment was considered good in 99% of cases (n=274). 1 case of dysfunction of the
manducatory apparatus and 2 cases of mandibular osteitis were noted as complications after a 6-month follow-up
Conclusion The maxillomandibular blockade allowed the restoration and maintenance of the dental articulation, ensuring good
consolidation of the fractures and recovery of good masticatory function.