Clinical evaluation of 3 types of plate osteosynthesis for fixation of condylar neck fractures

Purpose: The goal of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients who ha d condylar neck fractures treated with 3 different plating techniques. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 37 patients wi th 40 fractures of the condylar neck that were reduced and stabilized using an approach involving exposure of the facial nerve. Stabilization was achi eved with a single miniplate (17 fractures), a minidynamic compression plat e (13 fractures), or double miniplates (10 fractures). Results: Plate fracture or screw loosening was exclusively observed in case s stabilized with either a single miniplate or a minidynamic compression pl ate. No cases of inadequate stability were observed when 2 miniplates were used. Conclusions: The 2-miniplate fixation technique provides functionally stabl e fixation for fractures of the condylar neck. (C) 2001 American Associatio n of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.