Condylar neck fractures of the mandible.

Despite the effectiveness and many advantages of closed reduction of condylar neck fractures, open reduction techniques offer the advantage of anatomic repositioning of the fracture, which may reduce resultant deformities, malocclusion, and temporomandibular joint derangements in patients with complex subcondylar fractures. This objective is best achieved with rigid plate and screw fixation to obtain the stability required for immediate function. This article presents guidelines for the experienced surgeons who wish to address this controversial problem.