Role of surgical reduction of condylar fractures in the management of panfacial fractures

We present nine panfacial fractures that were treated during a two-year period in which the first step in treatment was reduction of condylar fractures. There was no evidence of dental or skeletal alterations and measurement of the mandibular ramus and radiographic examination show that posterior facial height as well as projection and width of the inferior lower third of the face, was restored. The correct timing of surgical intervention and the use of rigid fixation allows the restoration of the morphological and functional nature of the face after panfacial fractures. (C) 2000 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.