Semi-Rigid Fixation Using a Sliding Plate for Treating Fractures of the Mandibular Condylar Process

Occlusal displacement often occurs after surgery for condylar process fractures because it is difficult to reduce these fractures precisely. However, performing semi-rigid fixation using a sliding plate may overcome this limitation. A retrospective clinical comparison between semi-rigid and rigid fixations was performed. Among 34 patients who had unilateral condylar process fractures, 17 were treated with rigid fixation and the remaining with semi-rigid fixation using a sliding plate. For all patients, panoramic radiographs were collected 1 day and 6 months after surgery. In these radiographs, ramus height and condylar process inclination were measured, and the differences between the fractured and normal sides were assessed. Additionally, the radiographic density of the fracture area was measured. Differences in surgical outcomes and operative times between the two groups and changes in postoperative deviations within each group were analyzed. There was no statistically significant difference in ramus height and condylar process inclination between the two groups at postoperative day 1 and 6 months. Radio-density was observed to be higher in the rigid fixation group, and it increased with time in both groups. The semi-rigid fixation group had a significantly shorter operative time than the other group did. Semi-rigid and rigid fixations showed no differences in terms of effectiveness and outcomes of surgery. In terms of operative time, semi-rigid fixation was superior to rigid fixation.