title: Open Reduction With K-Wire Stabilization of Fracture Dislocations of the Mandibular Condyle: A Retrospective Review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of direct transcortical stabilization of fracture dislocations of the mandibular condyle (FDMCs) using narrow-diameter non-threaded Kirschner wire (K-wire).
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective review reports on the treatment outcomes for 12 patients (15 fractures) with FDMCs treated with open reduction using transcortical 0.027-inch K-wire stabilization. Postoperative parameters of relevance included infection, facial nerve function, hardware removal, mandibular range of motion, and radiographic determination of fracture union.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three patients had bilateral FDMCs and 9 had unilateral FDMCs (age range at time of injury, 14 to 72 yr; mean age, 32 yr). Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 2 years. Four patients required removal of K-wire hardware for different reasons. K-wires were removed because of infection in 1 patient. Another patient required removal because of migration of the pin into the joint space. One pin was removed electively and another was removed for nonspecific postoperative symptoms that resolved after pin removal. Persistent facial nerve deficit was observed in 1 patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Open reduction with transcortical K-wire stabilization can achieve satisfactory outcomes for the treatment of FDMC. Further investigation is needed in determining the efficacy of this fixation technique in the management of FDMC.
authors.affiliation: Private Practice, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Red Bank, NJ; Attending, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ. Electronic address: drhaghighi@njfacialsurgery.com.
authors.forename: Kayvon
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Haghighi
authors.affiliation: Program Director, Facial Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship, Robert Wood Johnson-Barnabas/Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ.
authors.forename: Manolis G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Manolakakis
authors.affiliation: Dental Student (Class of 2019), Medical University of South Carolina School of Dentistry, Charleston, SC.
authors.forename: Connor
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Balog
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001864:Bone Wires; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D000072039:Fracture Dislocation / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D000070799:Open Fracture Reduction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome