Double pin fixation in face and jaw fractures.

P ARKHILL’S bone clamp” introduced in 1897 seems to have been quickly abandoned. With the advent of the antibiotic era its use again became feasible. It is now about tifteen years since Roger Anderson’ reintroduced this principle of double pin fixation to orthopedic and general surgery. It is about the same time since Stader5 reported its use in veterinary surgery. It is ten years since Converse and Waknitz,’ then with the American Hospital in Britain, introduced double pin splinting to jaw surgery-. The enthusiasm with which it was first received has descended to a complete rejection in many quarters and a guarded acceptance in others. The method seems to occupy a definite, although small niche in the treatment of face and jaw injuries. It is of specific help in the management of some problem fractures. During the past ten years double pin splints have been used in the treatment of maxillofacial injuries at the hlontreal General Hospital. This hospital is in a turbulent part of the city with a large slum and dockside casualty practice which brings in about seventy-five jaw fractures a year. Of 750 fractures over the tenyear period since the introduction of doubIe pin fixation, I IO, or 15 per cent, have been double pinned. It might be of interest to review the evolution of the method and the splints that have been used. There have been changes in method and material. These include (I) the type of pin, (2) the drill for insertion and (3) the apparatus used to hold or retain the pins.