Customized Elastics Fabricated from Foley's Catheter for Traction in Maxillofacial Trauma

Abstract

Like in orthopaedics, many maxillofacial fracture cases require elastic traction to control the muscle spasms, pain and aid in reduction of the fractured segments to achieve acceptable occlusion before the definitive management. In trauma and emergency hospital setup, sometimes conventional stock elastic bands are not readily available for the traction (non-rigid maxillo–mandibular fixation). In such cases, customized elastic bands, made from Foley's catheter, can be a better alternative. The current technique is hassle free and has ease of customization as per individual case due to easy availability of Foley's catheter in hospital setup.

Keywords

• elastic band
• maxillomandibular fixation
• intermaxillary fixation
• traction
• Foley's catheter
• fracture