Open reduction with K-wire stabilization of fracture dislocations of the mandibular condyle: A retrospective review

Publication date: Available online 6 February 2017
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Kayvon Haghighi, Manolis G. Manolakakis, Connor Balog
PurposeThe aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of direct transcortical stabilization of fracture dislocations of the mandibular condyle using narrow diameter non threaded K-wireMaterials and MethodsThis retrospective review reports the treatment outcomes for 12 patients (15 fractures) who were treated with open reduction of fracture dislocations of the mandibular condyle (FDMC), using trans-cortical, 0.027" K-wire stabilization. Postoperative parameters of significance included infection, facial nerve function, hardware removal, mandibular range of motion, and radiographic determination of fracture union.Results3 patients with bilateral and 9 with unilateral FDMCs, ages ranging from 14 to 72 at the time of injury, with a mean age of 32. Postoperative follow up ranged from 6 weeks to 2 years. Four patients required removal of K-wire hardware. Hardware removal was for a variety of reasons. K-wires were removed due to infection in one patient. Another patient required removal due to migration of pin into the joint space. One pin was removed electively and another due to non-specific, postoperative symptoms, that resolved after pin removal. Persistent facial nerve deficit was observed in one patient.ConclusionOpen reduction with trans-cortical K-wire stabilization can achieve satisfactory outcomes for the treatment FDMCs. Further investigation is needed in determining the efficacy of this fixation technique in the management of FDMC.



http://ift.tt/2kzMdjy