Osteosynthesis of the mandibular condyle with magnesium-based biodegradable headless compression screws show good clinical results over a 1-year follow-up period

Abstract Purpose The use of titanium-based implants in mandibular condyle fractures may require implant removal because of screw penetration through the condylar surface. Biodegradable implants may avoid a second operation for implant removal and its associated possible complications. In this work, we investigated the clinical and radiological outcome of osteosynthesis of mandibular condyle fractures with biodegradable magnesium-based compression screws. Methods We performed a retrospective observational study with six patients who were treated in our department. We recorded changes in jaw movements over time, occlusion as well as possible complications in defined time intervals at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. We also compared preoperative CT-scans with postoperative Cone-Beam CTs (CBCTs) 6 and 12 months postoperatively concerning mandibular condyle healing and screw degradation. Results Four male and two female patients (age: 30-66 years, mean 43.2 years) having unilateral mandibular condyle fractures were assessed. All patients showed well restored function of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) with significant improvement of mouth opening (46.17 ± 6.49 mm), laterotrusion right (10.67 ± 1.03 mm) and left (10.67 ± 1.97 mm) as well as protrusion (10.17 ± 1.33 mm) distances up to physiological values. CBCTs showed remodelling processes of the mandibular condyle and a few radiolucencies as known for these magnesium-based screws. Although penetration of one screw tip through the condylar surface occurred, no implant removal was necessary due to biodegradation of the implant. Conclusion Biodegradable magnesium-based compression screws show good clinical results and avoid implant removal.