Functionally stable internal fixation is of particular relevance to maxillo facial surgery, because it obviates the discomforts and inconveniences of intermaxillary fixation. Given the biomechanics and biophysics of the skeletal system, the true im mobilization of bone can be achieved only through highly technical means. Willenegger speaks of an "advanced school" of bone surgery which, when fully realized, will enable excellent results to be achieved even in the most difficult fractures. To accomplish this goal, ongoing refinements are needed in surgical methods and technology. Advancing the state of operative tech nique has been a central concern of the Association for the Study of Inter nal Fixation since its establishment 25 years ago. For this reason, a major priority of the AOI ASIF has been to develop its own surgical instrumen tation. With the help of technical commissions comprised of experts from medi cine, research and manufacturing, the AOI ASIF has been able to develop and successfully test a line of surgical instruments whose trademark is known and respected the world over. For every specialty in traumatology and orthopaedics, including maxillofacial surgery, the AOIASIF has devel oped both a basic and a special instrument set designed to meet specific anatomic requirements.

1 General Guidelines for Maxillofacial Internal Fixation

1.1 Checklist of General Measures in the Management of Maxillofacial Trauma
1.2 Checklist of General Measures in Orthognathic Maxillofacial Surgery
1.3 General Preparations in the Operating Room
1.4 Nomenclature
2 Internal Fixation of the Mandible
2.1 Indications
2.2 Goals
2.3 Timing
2.4 Diagnosis
2.5 Preparation of the Patient on Admission
2.6 Preoperative Preparation of the Patient
2.7 Instruments and Equipment to be Prepared
2.8 Table Setups for Internal Fixation of the Mandible
2.9 Examples of the Internal Fixation of Various Mandibular Fractures
2.10 Operative Procedure
2.11 Postoperative Care
3 Surgical Treatment of Midfacial Fractures
3.1 Indications
3.2 Goals
3.3 Timing
3.4 Diagnosis
3.5 Preparation of the Patient on Admission
3.6 Preoperative Preparation of the Patient
3.7 Instruments and Equipment to be Prepared
3.8 Table Setups for Midfacial Fractures
3.9 Use of the Cranio Fixateur Externe for Various Midfacial Fractures
3.10 Operative Procedure
3.11 Postoperative Care
4 Orthognathic Maxillofacial Surgery
4.1 Indications
4.2 Principle and Goals
4.3 Workup Materials that are Taken into Surgery
4.4 Preparation of the Patient on the Day Before Surgery
4.5 Preoperative Preparation of the Patient
4.6 Instruments and Equipment to be Prepared 40
4.7 Table Setups for Orthognathic Maxillofacial Surgery
4.8 Examples of Various Osteotomies
4.9 Operative Procedure
4.10 Postoperative Care
5 AO/ASIF Instruments for Maxillofacial Bone Surgery
5.1 Instruments for 2.7-mm dia. Screws
5.2 Instruments for 2.0-mm dia. Screws
5.3 General Instruments
5.4 Supplementary Instruments
5.5 Cranio Fixateur Externe
6 AO/ASIF Implant Set for Maxillofacial Bone Surgery
6.1 Screws
6.2 Plates
7 AO/ASIF Compressed Air Machines
7.1 Small Air Drill
7.2 Mini Compressed Air Machine and Attachments
References.