Open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular condylar base and neck fractures using strut plates

Publication date: Available online 2 February 2018
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Carolin Lechler, Florian Probst, Carl-Peter Cornelius, Wenko Smolka
PurposeEvaluation of the clinical, radiological and functional outcomes of patients with condylar neck or base fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation using strut plates.Patients and MethodThirty patients with a total of 34 condylar neck and base fractures were included in the study. Transoral endoscopically assisted, submandibular or transparotid approaches were performed. Clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated. Functional outcomes were assessed with the Helkimo index in a subgroup of 15 patients.ResultsStrut plates were successfully placed through all surgical approaches used in this study. Fracture healing was without complications in 33 condylar processes. One plate fracture occurred. In the subgroup, 7 patients had good functional outcome, 7 had slightly impaired and one patient had moderately impaired functional outcome.ConclusionStrut plates are appropriate for retromandibular transparotid, endoscopic assisted transoral or submandibular approaches in the management of condylar neck or base fractures. Intraoperative handling and fitting accuracy of the strut plates are good. Good to slightly impaired functional outcome was observed in a subgroup of patients.



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