Jaw wiring, also known as maxillomandibular fixation, is a
surgical procedure where metal pins and wires are anchored into
the jaw bones and surrounding tissues to keep the jaw from
moving. Sports injuries, automobile accidents, falls, or fist-
fights are a few of the situations where the jaw might be
fractured or broken. In these cases, jaw wiring may be necessary
to keep the bones aligned and stable while the jaw heals. The
presence of cancer or other diseased tissues may make removal
and reconstruction of the jaw necessary. Wiring the jaws shut
has been used in the past as a weight loss aid in cases of
extreme obesity where other treatments had failed, although this
procedure is rarely used for that purpose today. Traumatic
injuries to the face can cause damage to facial nerves and
salivary glands and ducts. These injuries can also leave scars
that may require additional surgery to correct. Jaw wiring
surgery can be performed by an oral or maxillofacial surgeon (a
specially trained dentist), or by an otolar