Severe bone resorption and osteoarthrosis after miniplate fixation of high condylar fractures. A clinical and radiologic study of thirteen patients

Thirteen cases of high condylar fracture treated by open reduction and fixation with miniplates were monitored for an average of 18 months postoperatively. Satisfactory functional results were achieved clinically in all but one patient. Radiologically, however, signs of condylar resorption and osteoarthrosis were diagnosed in all patients. In four patients with associated multiple fractures of the facial bones, rapid complete resorption of the condyle was observed. These changes were markedly more severe than those observed in our previous study, in which osteosynthesis was performed by transosseous wiring and subsequent intermaxillary fixation for 3 to 7 weeks. Indications for rigid and nonrigid fixation in the surgical treatment of condylar fractures are discussed.