Rigid external fixation and condylar remodeling.

Condylar fractures, instead of other mandibular fractures, play a primary importance role because their high incidence and the historic controversy existent in literature regarding their treatment. Recent studies prove that conservative treatment of condylar fractures, although not determining perfect alignment of the fractured segments, leads to a series of histologic and morphologic healing processes ending with consolidation of the fracture and functional recovery of the TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint). In this study, we observed long-term results of 2 cases of bicondylar fracture treated with surgical reduction and rigid external fixation. Rx orthopantomography control 1 year after surgery showed condylar remodeling bilaterally with good functional recovery. Our school affirms that semirigid fixation system allows optimal function between the articular head and the glenoid fossa, with good tridimensional repositioning of the fractured segments.