Plate and screw fixation of selected condylar fractures of the mandible.

The majority of condylar fractures can be treated with closed reduction and intermaxillary fixation. In this study, we examine the use of open reduction with plate and screw fixation for the treatment of condylar fractures. Fourteen patients with 18 subcondylar fractures underwent open reduction and fixation using miniplates (12 patients) and lag screws (two patients). Thirteen patients and 16 condylar fractures had adequate follow-up for analysis of results. The follow-up period ranged from 7 to 46 months with a mean of 24 months. Bony union was obtained in all fractures with no permanent facial nerve injuries and good mandibular opening (average of 45 mm). We conclude that condylar fractures can be opened and fixed with plates and screws with good results without the use of intermaxillary fixation. This technique can be an effective approach for the treatment of selected condylar fractures.