Various Management Modalities and Radiographic Outcomes of Condylar Fractures: A Single Centric Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: The mandibular condylar fracture is second most frequent maxillofacial fracture but still the management remains controversial. Aim: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the clinical as well as radiographic outcomes of different types of management modalities in various mandibular condyle fractures during 6 months of follow-up. Material and Method: This retrospective study consisted of 17 patients of which 11 were male (65%) and 6 female (35%). These included 12 unilateral condylar fractures (70%) and 5 bilateral fractures (30%). Anatomically, these fractures were 13 condylar neck fractures (59%) while 9 were subcondylar fractures (41%). Depending on the anatomic position, type, displacement/dislocation/deviation of condyle, and associated fractures, 5 closed reduction (23%) and 17 open reduction and internal fixations (77%) were performed. Fixation was done with lag screw in 1 patient, 3-D strut plate in 2 patients, and single miniplate fixations in 14 patients. Orthopantomograms were taken preoperatively, immediate postoperatively, and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively to evaluate the radiographic changes. Results: Preoperatively, the average ramus height was 62.07 ± 4.13 (in mm) while condylar angulation was 18.23 ± 4.38 (in degree) while immediate postoperatively these were 66.98 ± 5.03 (in mm) and 25.67 ± 4.07 (in degree), respectively. After 6 months, the value was 66.43 ± 4.97 (in mm) and 25.24 ± 3.94 (in degree) which is statistically significant (P < .5). Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation allows better maintenance in function and anatomical repositioning of condyle as compared to closed reduction.