The Treatment for Mandibular Condyle Fracture of Children by a Threaded Kirshcner Wire and External Rubber Traction

PURPOSE: The treatment of children mandibular condyle fracture that is severely displaced is controversial. The conservative treatment of it may lead to complications- mandibular deficiency, asymmetry, malocclusion and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Moreover, open reduction carries risks for growth retardation, facial nerve injury, scarring and joint stiffness. The aim of this article is to present an alternative technique of the treatment by using a threaded Kirschner wire and external rubber traction. METHODS: From November 2005 to May 2008, three patients underwent the management by using a threaded Kirschner wire and external rubber traction. A threaded Kirschner wire was inserted in the condylar segment by using a C-arm. We applied the external rubber traction, and we reducted the segment progressively until complete reduction. The mandibular-maxillary fixations were removed after 3 weeks, and patients were sent to training for mouth opening. RESULTS: The technique didn't result in complications- joint dysfunction, facial nerve injury, sore, infection and nonunion during follow-up period. Radiologic follow-up examinations revealed correct reduction in all patients. In all cases, we found restoration of preinjury occlusion and temporomandibular joint function. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction of children mandibular condyle fracture by using a threaded Kirschner wire and external rubber traction did achieve anatomic reduction and restore mandibular height. This alternative technique is simple, effective, inexpensive, easy to apply and minimally invasive.

Intramedullary Fixation in the Fracture of the Shaft of the Clavicle by Threaded Kirschner Wire

PURPOSE: To evaluate and report the clinical result of the intramedullary fixation by threaded Kirschner wire in the clavicle shaft fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2000 to April 2004, twenty patients who had the fracture of the shaft of the clavicle were treated by the intramedullary fixation with threaded Kirschner wire. Thirteen patients were followed up and the clinical and radiological results were analyzed. RESULTS: All of the cases had satisfactory fracture union but there were four cases of skin irritation signs by the tip of threaded Kirschner wire. In one case, the Kirschner wire was bent at the fracture site with malunion. According to the clinical scoring system of Kang et al, eight cases were excellent and five cases were good. CONCLUSION: Authors think that intramedullary fixation with threaded Kirschner wire in the fracture of the shaft of the clavicle is one of a good operative method because of small operative incision, easy operative method, satisfactory fracture union and easy removability of the implant.