Fractures of the condylar process: Surgical versus nonsurgical treatment

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes from surgical and nonsurgical treatment of condylar process fractures. Patients and Methods: Two hundred thirty-four patients with fractures of the mandibular condylar process were treated by open or closed methods. In the follow-up study, 150 patients with a mean follow-up time of 2.5 years were analyzed using radiologic and objective and subjective clinical examinations. Results: No significant difference in mobility, joint problems, occlusion, muscle pain, or nerve disorders were observed when the surgically and nonsurgically treated patients were compared. The only significant difference was in subjective discomfort. Surgically treated patients showed significantly more weather sensitivity and pain on maximum mouth opening. Conclusion: Because of its disadvantages, open surgery is only indicated in patients with severely dislocated condylar process fractures.