The advantages of resorbable pins have been proved in craniofacial surgeries. Here the authors extend its use to fractures of the condylar head, which are surgically challenging. The authors aimed to compare in vivo, the stability of fixation of condylar fractures in sheep using sonic bone welding and standard titanium screws. There were 10 patients in each group. The stability of the osteosynthesis and maintenance of the height of the mandibular ramus were assessed. The results were analysed macroscopically, radiologically and histologically. There were no significant differences between the two groups in any parameters. The height decreased by 1-2mm in both groups compared with the opposite side but this was of no consequence in humans. The volume of the condyle increased considerably in both groups, mainly because callus had formed and it was impossible to immobilise the animals postoperatively. The results showed no significant disadvantages for pin fixation compared with osteosynthesis using titanium screws and support the use of sonic welding for fractures of the condylar head in humans.
In vivo animals model shows no disadvantages of osteosynthesis with pins compared to titanium screws for condylar fractures
Reviewed by Sampath Chandra Prasad
Treatment of fractures of the condylar head with resorbable pins or titanium screws: an experimental study.
