A Clinical Summary Of Open Reduction And Rigid Internal Fixation For Condylar Fracture

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcome and prognosis of the open reduction and rigid internal fixation for the condylar fracture patients. To conclude the clinical experience and summarize the pre and post operation management.Method:58 cases receiving the treatment of open reduction and rigid internal fixation for condylar fractures were retrospectively reviewed, in the department of oral and maxillo-facial surgery,1st affiliated hospital, Medical Collage of Zhejiang University from September 2005 to February 2010. Information was collected by looking up medical records, telephone following up, questions answering and clinical rechecking.1. Collecting case history for patients'gender, age, etiology, fracture type, clinical manifestation, complications and treatment schedule.2. By telephone following-up and clinical rechecking, mouth functional et al index were recorded as well as satisfaction with treatment effect.Result:58 cases were followed up. All patients showed great improvement on the facial type, occlusion, temporomandibular joint function, and etc.6 patients underwent the injury of facial nerve but cured during the follow-up period.93.1% of the patients were satisfied with the therapeutic effect.Conclusion:open reduction and rigid internal fixation result in satisfactory therapeutic efficacy for the condylar fracture, but the complications cannot be ignored. The selection of operation approach should base on the conservation of facial nerves and exposure of fractures. The reduction of external pterygoid muscle is impeotant for recovery of mandibular movement.The minor titanium plates,lag screws and biodegradable plates are all favourable materias for rigid internal fixation. Some patients undergo plate removal after the operation. The influence of open reduction and rigid internal fixation to the mandibualr development in children still awaits further long-term study.