navigating post-surgical challenges: long-term retention of an arch bar post surgery

Maxillo-mandibular fixation (mmf) is a commonly employed technique in maxillofacial fractures to stabilize fragments and maintain normal dental occlusion during healing. while mmf is frequently utilized in maxillofacial surgery, extended intraoral retention for an extended period is unusual. therefore, the presence of such hardware for a prolonged duration without patient complaints raises questions about the circumstances leading to this situation. this case study presents a scenario involving the retention of arch bars for 6 years. it underscores the importance of regular follow-up and timely removal of hardware. consideration of each patient’s unique social and financial context is crucial in this regard, and implementing a structured office recall system could help prevent similar complications.