What It Is

Mandible fracture ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation) is a surgical procedure to repair and stabilize a broken jawbone (mandible). The mandible is the largest and strongest facial bone, but because of its prominence, it is prone to fractures from accidents, falls, sports injuries, or assaults.

ORIF involves exposing the fracture site, realigning the bone fragments (open reduction), and fixing them with plates, screws, or wires (internal fixation) to restore proper bite function, facial symmetry, and stability. In Korea, the procedure is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons or plastic surgeons with expertise in trauma reconstruction.

Why It’s Done

Patients undergo mandible fracture ORIF because:

• They have a broken or displaced jawbone causing pain, swelling, and deformity.
• Jaw fractures affect chewing, speaking, and breathing.
• Left untreated, they may result in malocclusion (misaligned bite), infection, or permanent deformity.
• ORIF provides stable, precise bone healing and faster recovery compared to wiring alone.

Good candidates include:

• Patients with confirmed mandible fractures via imaging.
• Those with displaced fractures, multiple fractures, or difficulty closing their mouth.
• Individuals in good health and able to undergo anesthesia.

Alternatives

• Closed reduction (maxillomandibular fixation – MMF): Wiring the jaws shut; suitable for nondisplaced or simple fractures.
• Conservative management: Soft diet and observation for minor, stable fractures.
• No treatment: Not recommended, as it can lead to chronic pain, infection, and jaw dysfunction.

Preparation

Before mandible fracture ORIF in Korea, patients will:

• Have diagnostic imaging (X-ray, CT scan) to locate and assess the fracture.
• Undergo dental and occlusion evaluation.
• Receive antibiotics if an open fracture is suspected.
• Avoid food and drink before anesthesia.

How It’s Done

• Anesthesia: General anesthesia.
• Incision: Made inside the mouth (intraoral) or occasionally outside the jawline if needed.
• Bone reduction: Fractured segments are realigned.
• Fixation: Plates, screws, or wires are used to stabilize the bone. Titanium plates are commonly used in Korea for strong, long-lasting fixation.
• Closure: Incisions are sutured, often leaving minimal visible scarring.
• Duration: 1–3 hours, depending on fracture complexity.

Recovery

• Hospital stay: 1–3 days for monitoring.
• First weeks: swelling, bruising, jaw stiffness, and soft diet required.
• Pain is managed with medications; antibiotics may be given to prevent infection.
• Normal chewing may resume after 4–6 weeks once bone healing stabilizes.
• Full healing takes 6–8 weeks, though plates and screws typically remain in place permanently.

Possible Complications

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Nerve injury causing temporary or permanent numbness in the chin or lips.
• Malocclusion (improper bite alignment).
• Scarring (rare, especially with intraoral incisions).
• Nonunion or delayed bone healing.

Treatment Options in Korea

Diagnosis

• X-rays and 3D CT scans to locate fractures and plan fixation.
• Dental occlusion analysis to ensure correct bite alignment.

Medical Treatments

• Antibiotics and pain management for initial stabilization.
• Soft diet and observation for minor, stable fractures.

Surgical or Advanced Therapies

• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) with titanium plates and screws.
• Resorbable fixation materials in select cases where long-term hardware is not desired.
• Combined jaw reconstruction if multiple fractures or associated facial injuries are present.
• Orthognathic-style approaches if pre-existing jaw misalignment must be corrected at the same time.

Rehabilitation and Support

• Dietary support with liquid and soft foods during healing.
• Physical therapy for jaw exercises to restore mobility.
• Scar care if external incisions are made.
• Regular follow-ups with imaging to confirm bone healing and bite function.
• International patients benefit from Korea’s advanced trauma care systems, minimally visible incision techniques, and precise fixation technology.