J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2001 Oct;27(5):442-446.

Clinical Studies Of Lag -Screw Osteosynthesis In Condylar Fractures Of The Mandible

• Jeong JC
• Song MS
• Choi JU
• Kim SB
• Seo JH
• Lee GH

Abstract

This study evaluated clinical and radiographic results after open reduction and lag-screw fixation of mandibular condyle fractures.
PATIENTS AND Methods
: 26 patients had been treated by lag-screw fixation for madibular condyle fracures via submandibular approach and follow up for over 6 months. The lag-screw used in this study was designed by Eckelt. Radiographically, resorption of the condyle head found in 4 cases (15%) and minimal displacement of the condyle head was found in 3 cases (12%). Post-operative infection were not found in all cases. Clinically, All patiens had a stable occlusion and normal mouth opening (over 40mm). TMD problems with crepitus or some discomfort encountered in 4 patients but tolerable to the patients.
CONCLUSION
Lag screw fixation can be a good option especially high level condylar fractures, however this procedure must be used in cautiously because of slipping of the fragments and possible to resorption of the fragments.

Keyword

Condylar fractures; Lag screw

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Head
Humans
Mandible*
Mandibular Condyle
Mouth