CASE REPORT   

European Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2017 April;1(1):27-31

DOI: 10.23736/S2532-3466.17.00103-5

Copyright © 2016 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Open reduction and external fixation of a condylar fracture with concomitant cervical spine injury

Paul A. COVELLO, Anna YOUNG, Michael D. TURNER ✉

Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai-Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY, USA

Fractures of the mandibular condyle account for 19% to 52% of all mandibular traumas. Despite their relatively common occurrence, controversy still exists regarding open versus closed management. Due to cumbersome hardware, loosening of device components, the potential for postoperative infections surrounding pins, and the improvement of internal fixation techniques and plating systems, the external fixator system is uncommon in today’s practice. In certain cases, however, external fixation can be a useful treatment modality. We present a case of a patient who underwent open reduction and external fixation of a condylar fracture to achieve appropriate reduction, semi-rigid fixation, and immediate mobilization in the setting of limited surgical access due to a cervical stabilization device. Two-year postoperative follow-up demonstrates excellent functional results.

KEY WORDS: Mandibular condyle - Temporomandibular joint - Mandibular fractures - External fixators - Fracture fixation