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Figure 5.12

Bridle wire placed to reduce discomfort is stabilizing a parasymphyseal fracture (left).

Bridle wire and IMF screws are stabilizing a nondisplaced parasymphyseal fracture (right).

Figure 5.13

Ivy loop passed

between the

interproximal space of

#30 and #31.

b. Bridle Wire

Bridle wire is a single ligature placed for temporary stabilization of

mobile fractures (Figure 5.12). Bridle wire is often placed under local

anesthesia. Teeth adjacent to the fracture should be avoided.

c. Ivy Loops

Ivy loops are used for MMF for minimally displaced fractures when the

full patient has a full dentition. The loop is constructed with 24-gauge

wire. A small loop is made in the center of the wire (Figure 5.13). The

loose ends are passed through the interproximal of two stable teeth,

brought around the mesial and distal interproximal of each tooth. The

distal wire is brought under (or through) the loop and anchored to the

mesial wire with a clockwise twist. An opposing loop is then created to

make a pair. The loop produced is then used to pass a third 24-gauge

wire to anchor the MMF wire. A minimum of two sets of Ivy loops is

recommended bilaterally.