Maxillomandibular fixation miniplate, alternative management for condylar fractures in complete/partial edentulous mandible

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and reliability of using conventional miniplates to provide stable maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) for the management of condylar fracture(s) in complete/partial edentulous mandible. Eleven displaced condylar fractures (37.5% bilateral) in eight completely/partially edentulous adult males (mean age: 43.37) were immobilized with 2–3 conventional miniplates (across two jaws) and followed for three months. All cases showed stable mandibular immobilization during the MMF period. MMF-miniplates were removed after six weeks under local anesthesia. Satisfactory mouth opening was observed after MMF-miniplate removal. No cases of MMF-miniplate failure, significant postoperative complications, and emergency MMF-miniplate release were observed. Only one case showed local soft tissue inflammation at the MMF-miniplate entry site, which resolved after removal. In conclusion, MMF-miniplate is a feasible, effective, and reliable technique with satisfactory clinical outcomes. This technique can be easily and quickly used as an alternative treatment for open reduction of condylar fractures or as a temporary MMF in complete/partial edentulous mandible to reduce difficult, complex, and time-consuming perioperative procedures.

Keywords

• Edentulous mandible
• Mandibular fracture
• Mandibular condylar fracture
• Closed fracture treatment
• Maxillomandibular fixation
• Intermaxillary fixation