Ultrasound activated resorbable pins in mandibular condylar head fracture: Author’s experience and systematic review of literature

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to share author’s experience and to through light on literature on the role of ultrasound activated resorbable pins (UARPs) in mandibular condylar head fracture. Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic scholar and Cochrane library database (1990 to 2023). All prospective, retrospective, Ambispective study, randomized/non-randomized controlled trial reporting outcome of UARPs in condylar head fracture were included. The studies reporting other methods of fixation or inadequate information were excluded. Results: The systematic review included a total of 5 studies (case reports/case series). The number of patients were 46 and the number of joints were 56 (unilateral=36 and bilateral=10). Fixation with UARPs were performed in adult patient (above 18) in all the studies. In one study age is not clearly mentioned. At the end of the follow-up, unsatisfactory occlusion was seen in 4 (8.6%) and temporary facial nerve palsy was seen in 8 (17.39%) patients. Improvement in mouth opening was seen in all the cases at recent follow-up. Few studies reported partial reduction or re-dislocation of the fractured segment. Conclusion: This review concludes that UARPs are newer method of fixation which have been reported with mixed results from authors. These pins can provide promising results in condylar head fracture reduction and fixation with experience. Studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up are required in future to state the usefulness of ultrasound activated resorbable pins in condylar head fracture.