Surgical timing of mandibular fractures asoociated with mandibular condyle fractures: our experience

Our study reports multiple center (Napoli-Genova-Messina) experience about the management of mandibular fractures with associated condylar region fractures. The AO Foundation suggests that fractures in the tooth-bearing area of the anterior mandible are generally treated first to establish the ideal occlusion. Fractures in the non-tooth-bearing area (condyle) are usually treated secondly. We have tried to apply this concept.(8) Restoring the mandibular arch and transversal bi-gonial diameter are starting and ending pionts of the surgical procedure in this kind of pathology. The R. I. F. contention represents another necessary step of the same surgical procedure. The rapid restoration of the mandibular functions after surgery show how important it is to use a rigid fixation for all regions involved in the fracture