The use of vacuum-formed splints for temporary intermaxillary fixation in the management of unilateral condylar fractures.

We report a simple, effective method of managing displaced unilateral condylar fractures with occlusal disruption using vacuum-formed thermoplastic foil splints with bonded wire cleats. The cleats enable intermaxillary fixation in the form of orthodontic elastics to be used, which guide then maintain the occlusion in centric relation. A case is presented in which this technique was used successfully. Copyright 2001 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.