[Is miniplate osteosynthesis for combined mandibular body and bilateral mandibular condyle fractures adequate?]

Between 1980 and 1993 81 patients with a combined mandibular body and bilateral mandibular condyle fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the mandibular body. The following methods were used: 29 x miniplate osteosynthesis, 28 x maxiplate osteosynthesis, 13 x lag screws, 10 x combinations and once titanium mesh. Reoperations because of occlusal disturbances were necessary in two cases of miniplate fixation, in one case of maxiplate fixation and in one case of lag screw fixation. In 1994 28 patients were reviewed. Posterior crossbite as operative sequela was noted in 2 (out of 14) patients after miniplate osteosynthesis, in 3 (out of 9) patients with maxiplate osteosynthesis, in 1 (out of 4) patients with combined miniplate and lag screw fixation and in 0 (out of 3) cases with lag screws. In cases of oblique mandibular body fractures we recommend the lag screw technique. Maxiplate osteosynthesis is more troublesome and more difficult in comparison with miniplate osteosynthesis. Therefore we recommend the miniplate osteosynthesis for the remaining types of mandibular body fracture and if needed the mandibular condyle.