A Temporary Intraoperative Fixation Method for the Absorbable Plates Fixation of Condylar Fracture by Retromandibular Transparotid Approach

Abstract

The authors describe a temporary intraoperative fixation method for the absorbable plates’ fixation of subcondylar fracture by retromandibular transparotid approach. First, the fracture was temporarily fixed with a 4-hole titanium microplate across the fracture line in the center of the lateral surface of the condyle to maintain the reduction of the fracture. Then, two 4-hole absorbable mini-plates were fixed on the posterior and anterior border of the condylar neck. Finally, the 4-hole titanium microplate and screws were removed before the wound closure. In the absorbable plates’ fixation of subcondylar fracture by transparotid approach, the method of temporary intraoperative fixation using a 4-hole titanium microplate offsets the limited exposure of the operative field, smooths the operation, and offers the reliability and validity of the absorbable plates’ fixation.