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 had condylar neck fractures treated with 3 different plating techniques. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 37 patients with 40 fractures of the condylar neck that were reduced and stabilized using an approach involving exposure of the facial nerve. Stabilization was achieved with a single miniplate (17 fractures), a minidynamic compression plate (13 fractures), or double miniplates (10 fractures). Results: Plate fracture or screw loosening was exclusively observed in cases stabilized with either a single miniplate or a minidynamic compression plate. No cases of inadequate stability were observed when 2 miniplates were used. Conclusions: The 2-miniplate fixation technique provides functionally stable fixation for fractures of the condylar neck. © 2001 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.