Use of an occlusal splint and intraoperative imaging with an intraoral approach in the management of mandibular subcondylar fractures

IntroductionTo evaluate the feasibility of safely managing subcondylar fractures using an original surgical procedure combining an intraoral approach, the use of a custom-made occlusal overlay splint, and intraoperative imaging.Materials and methodsCondylar fragment was freed from surrounding soft tissues, was laterally exposed to the ramus, and a miniplate was fixed in place for osteosynthesis. An overlay splint maintaining the dental occlusion was used to facilitate reduction and stabilization during fixation. Intraoperative monitoring by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed before completing the fixation.ResultsBetween November 2018 and June 2019, 10 patients were treated using this procedure. The median length of the proximal condylar fragment was 29 mm (range 24–39 min). Five patients had an associated mandibular fracture. The median duration of the condylar fracture surgery was 54.5 min (range 38–79 min). All patients had satisfactory reduction and osteosynthesis with no complications.ConclusionIt is feasible to safely manage subcondylar fractures with this surgical procedure that could facilitate open reduction using intraoral approaches. Occlusal splints maintain downward pressure on the rami bilaterally and symmetrically, helping to anatomically reposition condylar process fractures. Intraoperative imaging is used to monitor this step.