A new condylar fracture fixation technique

Abstract

Mandibular condyle fractures are common and the best approach to treating them has been extensively discussed in the literature. There are basically two different approaches to treatment of condyle fractures: the functional method and the surgical method. In the case described here, the patient underwent general anesthesia for open reduction and internal fixation. After a submandibular approach to access the fracture site, a bur was used to make a perforation in the base of the condylar segment and a long screw (11 mm) was inserted in place leaving a portion protruding from the bone (6 mm). A groove was made in the lateral part of the mandibular ramus to accommodate the extra osseous portion of the screw. After reduction and stabilization of the condylar segment, a 2.0 mm miniplate was installed over the screw leaving the screw head in an inferior position to maximize retention. The patient enjoyed a rapid postoperative recovery and early jaw function was restored in a short period of time.