Clinical experience and results with a Rhombic Plate for transoral endoscopically-assisted osteosynthesis of fractures of the condylar neck

• Published in: British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery 2019-12, Vol.57 (10), p.1063-1067
• Main Authors: Leonhardt, H., Franke, A., Nowak, A., McLeod, NMH, Lauer, G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bone Plates; Dentistry; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Humans; intraoral approach; Mandibular Condyle - injuries; Mandibular Condyle - surgery; mandibular condyle fracture; Mandibular Fractures - surgery; Open Fracture Reduction; osteosynthesis; Rhombic plate; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0266-4356; 1532-1940
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2019.09.016

The intraoral approach is favoured by many patients and surgeons for the treatment of fractures of the condylar neck, but the limited space offered by this approach can make positioning and fixation of the osteosynthesis plate difficult. A rhombic-shaped plate was designed specifically for use with the intraoral approach, and introduced into our clinical practice in 2012. We present the clinical and functional results in 81 patients with 98 fractures of the condylar neck who we have treated with this technique. Of these six required surgical revision, and ultimately all but two had satisfactory occlusion and mandibular function. Our complication rate of 6/81 (7.4%) compares favourably with those reported elsewhere, and confirms that open reduction and internal fixation of condylar fractures using the Rhombic plate through an intra-oral approach provides good outcomes.