Stability of the mandibular condylar process after functionally stable traction-screw-osteosynthesis (TSO) with a...

The behaviour under stress of the condylar processes of the mandible was examined as to possible physiological and pathological influence after traction screw osteosynthesis of experimental condylar neck and base fractures. Stresses were applied in a sagittal direction and laterally in a load device fitted with an electronic power recorder. The behaviour under stress was recorded in load-path diagrams. The interfragmentary compression which can be applied intuitively under operating conditions was measured with an electronically calibrated torque wrench and compared with the maximum resistance to tensile stress, i.e. the force necessary to rip the screw out of the proximal fragment. Compared with the strain on the joint resulting from masticatory pressure and the possible performance of the masticatory muscles traction-screw osteosynthesis of condylar neck and base fractures was seen to be functionally stable, but not mastication stable.