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Removing jaw wires

08/30/2007

Question:

My husband broke his jaw and cut the wires himself after only three weeks (he claims he was starving to death) what will happen to his jaw bone? Will it take longer to heal,will it heal, will this have lasting effects?

Answer:

This can be a serious problem, depending on what else was done to repair the fracture.  If plates and screws were also placed, and he sticks to soft diet, then the risk is lower.  However, if the wires were the only method to treat the fracture, then there is a significant risk for the fracture not to heal at all, to heal in the wrong position, or to develop osteomyelitis (deep bone infection).  I would encourage him to return to the treating doctor to have the wires replaced.

For more information:

Go to the Face and Jaw Surgery health topic.