Use of a temporary screw for alignment and fixation of sagittal mandibular condylar fractures with lateral screws

Measurement of the condylar height on the orthopantomogram. (A) Condylar height on the fractured side and (B) condylar height on the non-fractured side.

Patient treated with the temporary and lateral screw technique. (A) Preoperative CT scan showing the fracture line from the lateral pole of the condylar surface to the medial side of the condylar neck and the fragment displaced medially and inferiorly. (B) A temporary screw in the posterior surface of the fragment used for facilitating anatomical reduction. (C) A lag screw in combination with a position screw used for lateral fixation of the fracture. (D) The shape of the right condyle returned to normal on the CT scan 3 months postoperatively.

Demonstration of the temporary and lateral screw technique with the mandible sample. (A) Model of the sagittal condylar fracture. (B) A temporary screw inserted in the posterior surface of the fragment. (C) Drilling a gliding hole for the lateral lag screw. (D) Drilling traction hole for the lateral lag screw. (E) Inserting the lateral lag screw and drilling the positioning hole for the lateral position screw. (F) Inserting the lateral position screw and removing the temporary screw.

Change in condylar heights before and after the surgery. (A) Preoperative condylar height on the fractured side. (B) Condylar height on the fractured side measured immediately after the operation. (C) Condylar height on both sides measured 3 months postoperatively.