B. Spiessl

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.