A Technique for Assist in Positioning the Proximal Segment during Open Reduction of a Fractured Mandibular Condyle

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: After exposure of fracture site, the proximal segment must be reduced to their preinjury position for open reduction of fractured mandibular condyle. We examined the use of inter-maxillary fixation screws or titanium screws tied with stainless steel wire to assist in positioning of proximal segment. Since it enables to make a relatively small preauricular incision by not disturbing the operative field like Moule pin, we can reduce the danger of injury to the facial nerve. METHODS: A preauricular approach was used for exposure, reduction, and rigid fixation in 4 cases of mandibular condylar fractures. Inter-maxillary fixation screws or titanium screws tied with stainless steel wire were used to assist in aligning proximal segment. The joints were submitted to functional exercises and postoperative radiologic and clinical follow-ups were performed. RESULTS: No facial nerve lesions were found in all 4 cases. Radiologic follow-up showed correct reduction and fixation in all 4 cases. Clinical follow-up showed an initial limitation, but normal morbility of the condyle was achieved within 4 months after the operation, with a maximum mouth opening of 34.1+/-5.2 mm after 12 months. There found no occlusal disturbances, no trismus, no lateral deviations of the mandible. CONCLUSION: By using Inter-maxillary fixation screws tied with stainless steel wire, it was shown that reducing the proximal segment to their preinjury position is easy to perform and it enables us to make a minimal dissection below preauricular skin incision to avoid facial nerve injury.