Fig. 13.

This patient sustained symphyseal and bilateral mandibular condylar fractures following an assault. The symphyseal fracture was managed with open reduction and placement of rigid internal fixation. The condylar fractures were managed with closed reduction and use of intermaxillary fixation with wires for 2 weeks, then heavy elastics for two weeks with initaition of jaw stretching exercises, and two weeks of night-time elastics with jaw stretching exercises 3 times daily. At 6 weeks post-operatively, the patient had a stable occlusion consistent with the preinjury state and preserved maximal incisal opening of 45 mm without deviation or pain.