Open Reduction Internal Fixation for Low Subcondylar/Ramus Fracture and High Condylar Fracture – A Case Report

Introduction: Mandibular low subcodylar fractures have a high incidence but not much is given in literature regarding the best method of treatment. This paper describes a surgical management of a low subcondylar /ramus fracture in a 30 year old male patient.

Method: Access to the fracture line was taken via Risdon’s approach that gave the good visualization of fracture line and facilitated better reduction and fixation. Plating was done on the lateral cortex of the ramus of mandible. There was a risk of damaging the marginal mandibular nerve and trauma to facial artery.

Result: Resulted into good anatomical reduction and better functional rehabilitation.

Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) can create better function for the temporomandibular joint, compared with closed treatment in low subcondylar/ramus fracture surgery.