The authors performed open reduction and internal fixation of 14 mandibular condylar fractures in 13 patients during years 1997–1999. The patients were 12 males and 1 female aged between 17 and 51. Three patients were operated for solitary unilateral condylar fracture. Concomitant mandibular body fractures were treated by Titanium miniplate osteo- synthesis in all remaining patients. In 12 fractures (11 patients) 4-holes Titanium miniplate was used for fixation of fractured condyle. Submandibular approach was performed in 2 fractures, intraoral approach in 3 fractures, combined submandibular and intraoral approach in 1 fracture, retromandibular approach in 6 fractures and preauriculo-temporal approach in 2 fractures. The complications, that did not affect the outcome of treatment, were experienced in 4 cases (28,5 %). In one case the treatment failed. Only the fractures operated from retromandibular approach were free of complications. The authors deal with classification of mandibular condylar fractures in relation to indications of open treatment, surgical technique and integration into treatment planning in polytraumatized patients.

        Key words: mandibular condylar fracture – Titanium miniplate – open reduction – internal fixation