Joachim Prein

Principles of Internal Fixation of the Craniomaxillofacial Skeleton

Traditionally, each specialty involved in craniomaxillofacial trauma and orthognathic surgery had its own areas of interest and expertise. This introductory textbook is different in that it presents the combined and fo cused expertise and competence of the different specialties on the entire craniofacial skeleton. The principles described in this textbook represent the evolution of craniomaxillofacial buttress reconstruction over the last 60 years. In addition to standard procedures,techniques representing recent surgical advances and new developments are introduced as well. This textbook not only provides an overview on current concepts of craniomaxillofacial trauma care and orthognathic surgery, but also helps to understand the complexity of the craniofacial skeleton and its related soft tissues for an efficient and successful reconstruction of the face following trauma and congenital deformities.

Stable Internal Fixation of Osteotomies of the Facial Skeleton

Internal fixation of osteotomies of the facial skeleton ensures bone healing under stable conditions that permits immediate full function. Internal fixation also determines at the time of surgery the position of functional bony units of the face. Internal fixation provides fixation forces to counteract functional muscle forces on the facial skeleton and thereby helps to maintain the planned surgical position throughout the course of healing.