Result of maxillomandibular fixation using intraoral cortical bone screws for condylar fractures of the mandible.

Objective: Treatment of mandibular condylar fractures is not standardized. The maxillomandibular cortical bone screw fixation technique carries many advantages. The aim of this work was to evaluate this technique for routine method.

Methods: Fifty patients treated by maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) by use of cortical bone screws from 2004 to 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. In our maxillofacial surgery unit in Bordeaux, France, our indication is to treat extra-articulated fractures without severe displacement by MMF.

Results: The mean time required for MMF was 13 minutes, and fixation occurred after a mean of 16 days. Screw removal was performed after a mean of 26 days, and this required local anesthesia. Of the patients, 48 had good occlusion. Two patients had persistent lateral cross bites. Two patients had mandible deviation when they opened their mouths, and mouth opening was limited in one patient. Two patients had temporomandibular joint pain.

Conclusions: MMF screws have more advantages and fewer disadvantages than arch bars when closed treatment has been selected as the treatment of choice.