Evaluation of condylar neck fracture plating techniques.

The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability of four different plating techniques used to fix condylar neck fractures and to decide which fixation systems are strong enough to withstand the functional load. Ten recently acquired formalin-fixed cadaver mandibles were used for this study. Each of the four sets of osteotomized condylar processes was fixed by one of four different fixation systems. The mandibles were then held in an angle vice so that the mandibles were oriented to simulate actual masticatory force loading on the temporomandibular joint and were loaded with an Instron loading machine. Data demonstrated that a two-miniplate system applied to the anterior and posterior regions of the condylar neck was more stable than single-plate repairs using either mini-dynamic compression plates or 2.4 mm plates. The two-miniplate-fixation technique is indicated in cases of condylar neck fracture to achieve early mobility of the jaw and stability of the fracture site.