📝 “What is a ‘Gunning Splint’ and Why is it Used in Jaw Fracture Reconstruction?”

- 9.17.24

Quick Review #228 - #surgery #surgeon #doctorgallagher #oralsurgery #oralsurgeon #omfs #dentist #dentistry #dental #gunningsplint #jaw #jawfracture

A Gunning splint is a type of prosthetic dental appliance used in maxillofacial surgery, primarily for managing fractures of the maxilla or mandible. It is named after the American dentist Dr. Thomas Brian Gunning, who pioneered this technique during the 19th century.

Uses in Facial Trauma Surgery:

1. Maxillary or Mandibular Fractures:

• Gunning splints are used in the treatment of fractures, especially when there is edentulism (partial or complete absence of teeth), as these patients lack the natural teeth that would otherwise provide a stable occlusion for fracture reduction.

• It can stabilize comminuted (highly fragmented) or displaced fractures of the jaws, especially when the patient cannot undergo open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) due to medical reasons or when a non-invasive method is preferred.

2. Immobilization of Jaw Fractures:

• Gunning splints help immobilize fractured segments of the jaw, particularly in atrophic edentulous mandibles where bone density is low, making it hard to use standard fixation techniques like plates or screws.

3. Intermaxillary Fixation (IMF):

• The splint is often combined with intermaxillary fixation (IMF), where the upper and lower jaws are wired together to allow proper healing of fractures.

• This ensures that the fractured segments are aligned in a functional and stable position, promoting bone healing.

Design and Construction:

• A Gunning splint resembles a dental prosthesis or denture, but it is customized to fit over the patient’s gums. It may be fabricated with acrylic material and has spaces where elastic bands or wires can be attached to assist with the fixation.

• For edentulous patients, the splint functions as a temporary prosthesis that helps align the mandible or maxilla.

• It covers the alveolar ridges, providing stability to fractured bones by allowing the jaws to remain in a closed position while they heal.

References:

1. Sharma, B., Sharma, P., Samra, R. K. (2020). Construction of a gunning splint; Case report on the handling of mandibular fractures in edentulous patients. Indian Journal of Dental Sciences.

2. Miloro, M., Ghali, G. E., Larsen, P. E., & Waite, P. (Eds.). (2022). Peterson’s Principles of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (4th ed.). Springer.

3. Kademani, D., & Tiwana, P. (2015). Atlas of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Saunders.

4. ChatGPT.2024

#podcast #podcasts #dentalpodcast #dentalpodcasts #doctorgallagherpodcast #doctorgallagherspodcast #doctor #dentistry #oralsurgery #dental #viral #dentalschool #dentalstudent #omfs #surgeon #doctorlife #dentistlife #residency #oralsurgeon #dentist #doctorgallagher