Repair of a condylar fracture with a titanium miniplate via two approaches

Abstract

Objective: To present a safe and reliable technique for open reduction with internal fixation for condylar neck fractures. Methods: Design: Case Report Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital Patient: One Results: A 25-year-old male patient with a unilateral condylar neck fracture presented with gross deformity and malocclusion. The patient underwent an open reduction with internal fixation using a 16-hole titanium plate via a preauricular and submandibular incision. The surgical outcome provided the patient with a restored vertical dimension of the mandibular ramus, a good occlusion, acceptable scars, an intact Facial nerve, a stable fixation, and an early mobilization of the temporomandibular joint. Conclusion: Using a single 16-hole titanium miniplate for condylar neck fractures through two approaches resulted in the avoidance of exposure and trauma to the facial nerve and its branches. Replication of the technique by any surgeon would still result to the same outcome: a short shallow learning curve, decreased operative time, a safe Facial nerve, and a satisfied patient.