The use of vacuum-formed splints for temporary intermaxillary fixation inthe management of unilateral condylar fractures

We report a simple, effective method of managing displaced unilateral condylar fractures with occlusal disruption using vacuum-formed thermoplastic foil splints with bonded wire cleats. The cleats enable intermaxillary fixation in the form of orthodontic elastics to be used, which guide then maintain the occlusion in centric relation. A case is presented in which this technique was used successfully.