MACLENNAN SPLINT: IN PEDIATRIC MANDIBULAR BODY FRACTURE- A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Introduction: Children (below 13 yrs of age) are usually susceptible to cranio-facial trauma because of their greater cranial mass to body ratio. When compared to adults, the pattern of fractures and frequency of associated injuries are similar but the overall incidence is much lower. Treatment is usually performed without delay and can be limited to observation or closed reduction in non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures. Operative management should involve minimal manipulation and may be modified by the stage of skeletal and dental development. Open reduction and rigid internal fixation is indicated for severely displaced fractures. When tooth buds within the mandible do not allow internal fixation with plates and screws, this can be achieved with a mandibular compression splint (MacLennan splint) fixed to the teeth, to the mandible with circum-mandibular wire. Children require long-term follow-up to monitor potential growth abnormalities.

Case report: A case of a 7-year-old girl with fractured body of mandible managed by closed reduction using MacLennan splint and stabilization using circum mandibular wiring.

Conclusion: MacLennad splint for treatment of pediatric mandibular symphysis/parasymphysis/body fractures are reliable treatment modality with regard to occlusion-guided fracture reduction. We can also manage the pediatric dentoalveolar fracture with minimum invasion and minimum cost by this splint.