Clinical study of prognosis using lag screw osteosynthesis in mandibular condyle fracture

ABSTRACT

Treatment of condylar fracture is still controversial, but the indication of surgical management is increased due to improved fixation methods and surgical techniques. In this article, we report our clinical and radiological results with the use of lag screw osteosynthesis for fixation of fractured mandibular condyle. 12 cases of condyle fracture treated by open reduction and fixation with lag screw were monitored for an average of 10 months (range from 6 months) postoperatively. The obtained results are as follows 1. Postoperative maximum mouth opening is achieved over 40mm except one patient. 2. Although slight crepitus and deviation of mandible during mouth opening were found. Temporomandibular joint problem is satisfactory in all but one patient. 3. Distal migration of screw and resorption of fractured fragment were found in each 2 patients, but good functional recovery was achieved in all. According to the above results, we think that lag screw osteosythesis is relatively indicated in level IIIor IV condylar fracture.