Management Of Mandibular Subcondylar Fractures Research Articles

Comparative evaluation of open reduction and internal fixation using delta plate versus conservative treatment in management of mandibular subcondylar fractures in adults

The aim of the evaluative study was to compare the efficacy of standard conservative treatment and the open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) using the delta titanium plates in the mandibular subcondylar fractures in adults. Patients who diagnosed with mandibular subcondylar fracture in the department from January 2018 up to September 2019 were recruited into the study. The patients satisfying the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio (10 in each group). Group A comprised patients treated using delta titanium plates through open reduction and internal fixation and Group B comprised patients treated with closed reduction. Informed consent was taken for all the patients. All the patients of Group A underwent ORIF under GA via retromandibular approach. Pain was significantly higher in 1 and 3 month follow up in group B compared to group A. Comparison of mouth opening in both the groups show statistically significant difference at 3 and 6 month compared to baseline mouth opening. Deviation was more prevalent at 1 and 3 month follow up in group B compared to group A. Presence of mandibular deviation at 1, 3 and 6 month was statistically insignificant for both the groups.Our experience with 3D stable delta plate provides better treatment outcomes in terms of easy adaptation to the anatomy of the fracture site, better 3D stability and functional osteosynthesis.

Two miniplates versus 3-dimensional plate in the management of mandibular subcondylar fractures: a retrospective analysis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes in patients withsubcondylar fracture of mandible treated with 2 single miniplates compared to a 3-dimensional (3D) plate. This is a retrospective study which included patients diagnosed and treated for mandibular subcondylar fracture from January 2015 to December 2019. Included patients were divided into two groups, group 1: 2 miniplate group and group 2: 3D plate group. The data was obtained from the patients' records and evaluated for various outcomes including occlusal stability, postoperative complications like plate fracture, non-union, plate or screw loosening, and plate or screw infection leading to implant removal, wound dehiscence, salivary fistula, and facial nerve paralysis. The statistical analysis was performed using chi square test and Student's t test. A total 58 patients (43 males and 15 females) were enrolled in the two groups ranging from 21 to 59 years. A total of 35 patients were recruited in group 1, whereas 23 patients were recruited in group 2. There was no statistically significant difference in the two groups with regard to the age range, gender, diagnosis, side of fracture, and accompanying fractures. Occlusal instability, wound dehiscence, and facial nerve paralysis was found in both the groups. Group 1 had 1 patient which required implant removal due to screw loosing, whereas group 2 had 2 patients which required plate removal due to plate fracture. One patient in group 2 required second surgery for fixation of fracture due to non-union. One patient in group 1 developed a sialocele postoperatively. However, there was no statistically significant difference in any of the variables assessed among the two groups (p > 0.05). The results of our study indicate that the 2 miniplates and 3D plate system are effective in the management of mandibular subcondylar fractures.

Comparative Evaluation of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Retromandibular Transparotid and Transoral Endoscopic-Assisted Approach for Surgical Management of Mandibular Subcondylar Fractures.

A prospective randomized comparative study was conducted to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of the retromandibular transparotid (RMT) approach with endoscopic-assisted transoral (ENDO) approach used for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of adult mandibular subcondylar fractures. To evaluate and compare the primary functional outcome using the Helkimo's dysfunction index, the surgical ease, the incidence of facial nerve weakness, the cosmetic outcomes and the number of complications following ORIF of mandibular subcodylar fractures using the RMT and ENDO approaches. In this prospective study, 20 patients with unilateral/bilateral subcondylay fractures requiring ORIF were recruited between 2017 and 2018. Patients were randomly divided into RMT and ENDO group, 10 patients in each. Clinical and radiological assessment was done preoperatively and in postoperative period it was done at different intervals over the period of 6 months. The intraoperative parameter time taken during surgery was correlated for association with the time elasped since day of trauma and with the fracture severity. Similarly, the presence of multiple fractures of the mandible and postoperative occlusion were evaluated for the association. Comparable functional results were noted in both groups without any statistical significance. ORIF in ENDO group proved to be more time-consuming. For the RMT group, visible scars were rated best or close to best at the end of 6 months but a greater number of facial nerve injuries were reported in the RMT group. Superiority of one approach over others cannot be established since the outcomes were not statistically different. However, the ENDO approach appears to be safer. Therefore, there is a need for the development of innovative armamentarium which would improve the dexterity and ease of the surgeon and hence the total time taken for this minimally invasive approach for the management of subcondylar fracture.

Use of an occlusal splint and intraoperative imaging with an intraoral approach in the management of mandibular subcondylar fractures

IntroductionTo evaluate the feasibility of safely managing subcondylar fractures using an original surgical procedure combining an intraoral approach, the use of a custom-made occlusal overlay splint, and intraoperative imaging. Materials and methodsCondylar fragment was freed from surrounding soft tissues, was laterally exposed to the ramus, and a miniplate was fixed in place for osteosynthesis. An overlay splint maintaining the dental occlusion was used to facilitate reduction and stabilization during fixation. Intraoperative monitoring by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed before completing the fixation. ResultsBetween November 2018 and June 2019, 10 patients were treated using this procedure. The median length of the proximal condylar fragment was 29 mm (range 24–39 min). Five patients had an associated mandibular fracture. The median duration of the condylar fracture surgery was 54.5 min (range 38–79 min). All patients had satisfactory reduction and osteosynthesis with no complications. ConclusionIt is feasible to safely manage subcondylar fractures with this surgical procedure that could facilitate open reduction using intraoral approaches. Occlusal splints maintain downward pressure on the rami bilaterally and symmetrically, helping to anatomically reposition condylar process fractures. Intraoperative imaging is used to monitor this step.

Which fixation methods are better between three-dimensional anatomical plate and two miniplates for the mandibular subcondylar fracture open treatment?

PurposeTo compare the clinical outcomes of a single three-dimensional (3-D) anatomical plate versus two conventional straight miniplates for the open treatment of mandibular subcondylar fractures. MethodsThis retrospective clinical study included patients with mandibular subcondylar fractures treated by the retromandibular transparotid approach using a 3-D plate or two straight miniplates. Outcome variables included preoperative conditions of patients and fractures, extent of postoperative bone healing, and incidence of complications. Other variables included age, sex, fracture site, and follow-up duration. Variables were evaluated using descriptive statistics and compared between groups. ResultsTwenty-eight fractures were analyzed: 13 fractures using 3-D plate and 15 fractures using two straight miniplates. None of the assessed variables showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05). Unfortunately, in the 3-D plate group, reoperation was necessary for nonunion owing to plate breakage in one case with a bone defect around the fracture. ConclusionThe 3-D plate and two straight miniplates were equally effective for the surgical management of mandibular subcondylar fractures. Although a 3-D plate is sufficient for a typical simple fracture, in cases with a bone defect around the fracture, selection of the plate fixation method should be carefully considered.

Surgical Management of Mandibular Subcondylar Fractures Under Local Anesthesia: A Proposed Protocol

The optimal treatment for adult mandibular condylar fractures (MCFs) has largely shifted in favor of open reduction and rigid internal fixation. However, a sizeable portion of these injuries are still being treated in a closed manner based on old literature, convenience, results deemed acceptable, and lesser associated morbidity. Most MCFs with multiple associated facial traumas are appropriately treated under general anesthesia (GA). However, some selected isolated MCFs or those with minimal associated mandibular or low midfacial fractures can be treated optimally with patients under local anesthesia following a protocol presented in this article, thus expediting and simplifying their management. The purpose of this study was to develop a safe, sound, effective protocol for routine surgical management of mandibular subcondylar fractures under local anesthesia. We carried out a prospective clinical study to assess the feasibility of operating on MCFs with patients under local anesthesia. Seven patients with MCFs and other associated facial fractures underwent surgery after careful case selection following our proposed protocol. The outcome variables were 1) duration of the procedure, 2) intraoperative pain assessed by a visual analog scale, 3) fracture reduction assessed by measuring the preoperative and postoperative average fracture gap, 4) presence of malocclusion preoperatively and postoperatively, 5) deviation on mouth opening, and 6) maximal mouth opening. The mean duration of the procedure was 35.14minutes, and the mean rating of intraoperative pain or discomfort was 0.57 as reported on the visual analog scale by the patients. Mean mouth opening improved from 17.1 to 40.5mm, whereas deviation on opening improved from 4.4 to 0.28mm. The average fracture gap was reduced from 6.32 to 0.97mm. The presented protocol is a straightforward, efficient, safe, cost-effective tool for operating on MCFs, avoiding GA with its attendant risks and complications, that can be used routinely, as well as in patients for whom GA is deemed unsuitable.

Comparative Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes Using Delta Plates and Conventional Miniplates for Internal Fixation of Mandibular Condylar Fractures in Adults

In recent years numerous osteosynthesis devices have become available for the management of condylar fractures. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the clinical outcomes of delta plates and conventional miniplates for internal fixation of mandibular condylar fractures in adults. We performed a prospective study of 20 patients with subcondylar fractures requiring open reduction and internal fixation for their management. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups using computer software: Group A patients (n=10) were treated using delta plates whereas group B patients (n=10) were treated using conventional miniplates via an extraoral retromandibular transparotid approach. There was no statistically significant difference between delta plates and conventional miniplates for internal fixation of mandibular condylar fractures in adults. However, the time taken for adaptation of the delta plates was significantly lower than that required for the 2 miniplates (P<.001), and the ease of adaptation was significantly better for the delta plates (P<.001). The study results indicated that the delta plate and miniplate are equally effective in terms of long-term clinical success in the management of mandibular subcondylar fractures in adults. The delta plate is superior in terms of handling characteristics, such as ease of adaptation and time required for adaptation, as only 1 plate and 4 screws are required as compared with 2 plates and 8 screws.

Bioabsorbable plates versus metal miniplate systems for use in endoscope-assisted open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular subcondylar fractures

PurposeTo compare bioabsorbable plates with metal miniplate systems for use in endoscope-assisted open reduction and internal fixation (EAORIF) of mandibular subcondylar fractures. Materials and methodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients with mandibular subcondylar fractures treated with EAORIF using bioabsorbable unsintered hydroxyapatite/poly l-lactide composite plates or titanium miniplate systems. The outcome variables included preoperative fracture conditions, postoperative stability during fracture healing, and complications during the follow-up period. Other variables included clinical characteristics (age, sex, fracture site, and total follow-up duration) and intra- and postoperative data (surgical duration, duration of intermaxillary fixation/elastic band guidance). Variables were evaluated using descriptive statistics and compared between groups using the Mann–Whitney test and the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. ResultsIn total, 28 patients were analyzed, including 13 who underwent EAORIF using bioabsorbable plates and 15 who underwent EAORIF using titanium miniplates. With the exception of second surgery for plate removal, none of the assessed variables showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05). ConclusionsOur results suggest that EAORIF using biodegradable plates is a stable and reliable method for the management of mandibular subcondylar fractures and eliminates the need for secondary surgery for plate removal.

Outcomes of open versus closed treatment in the management of mandibular subcondylar fractures.

ObjectivesTo compare the clinical and radiological outcomes after closed reduction (CR) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the management of subcondylar fractures.Materials and MethodsForty-eight patients presenting with subcondylar fracture between January 2010 and March 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Fifteen patients were treated with CR and 33 patients with ORIF. The clinical and radiologic parameters were evaluated during follow-up (mean, 7.06 months; range, 3 to 36 months).ResultsIn the CR group, no patients had any problems with regard to the clinical parameters. The average period of maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) was 5.47 days. The preoperative average tangential angulation of the fractured fragment was 3.67°, and loss of ramus height was 2.44 mm. In the ORIF group, no clinical problems were observed, and the average period of MMF was 6.33 days. The preoperative average tangential angulation of the subcondylar fragment was 8.66°, and loss of ramus height was 3.61 mm.ConclusionCR provided satisfactory clinical results, though ORIF provided more accurate reduction of the fractured fragment. So there is no distinct displacement of fractured fragment, CR should be selected than ORIF because of no need for surgery.

Pitfalls in Endoscopic Treatment of Mandibular Subcondylar Fractures

The facial trauma surgeon should be able to list indications for endoscopic treatment of mandibular condyle fractures and discuss the limitations and complications of the technique. The ideal treatment of mandibular subcondylar fractures continues to be debated. Acceptable results are often obtained with conservative measures such as mandibular maxillary fixation followed by elastics. On the other hand, an open approaches result in potential risk injury to the facial nerve. These 2 arguments have cautioned many surgeons from open treatment of condylar fractures. Recent advances in endoscopic techniques have made the mandibular condyle more accessible with less risk to the facial nerve. As with any new technique, endoscopic treatment of mandibular subcondylar fractures is not without its own limitations and complications. This was a retrospective case series. Three patients with mandibular subcondylar fractures with complications following endoscopic treatment were reviewed. There were a total of 4 condylar fractures (1 patient had bilateral fractures). There was 1 incidence of temporary facial nerve paresis, 1 failure of hardware positioning, 1 screw placement into the mandibular foramen, 2 condyles where adequate reduction of the fracture was impossible, and 1 failure to secure a screw into the proximal fracture segment. Endoscopic management of mandibular subcondylar fractures is a novel treatment with novel types of complications. Although promising, endoscopic treatment of mandibular subcondylar fractures should be approached prudently to avoid potential pitfalls.

Prospective Evaluation of a New Classification System for the Management of Mandibular Subcondylar Fractures

We propose a new classification of subcondylar fractures of the mandible based on ramal height shortening and degree of fracture angulation and present our treatment experience using this classification system. Eighty patients with subcondylar fractures of the mandible were evaluated. We categorized the fractures into 3 classes: Class 1 (minimally displaced), fracture with ramal height shortening: <2 mm and/or degree of fracture displacement: <10°; Class 2 (moderately displaced), fracture with ramal height shortening: 2 to 15 mm and/or degree of fracture displacement: 10 to 35°; Class 3 (severely displaced), fracture with ramal height shortening: >15 mm and/or degree of fracture displacement: >35°. Our treatment protocol is closed treatment for Class 1 fractures; either closed or open treatment for Class 2 fractures; and open treatment for Class 3 fractures. Among 80 patients, 20 had Class 1 fractures (25%), 40 had Class 2 fractures (50%), and 20 had Class 3 fractures (25%). In Class 2 fractures, 22 patients were managed by closed treatment (Class 2a) and 18 by open treatment (Class 2b). No statistically significant differences were found between the 3 classes in terms of functional outcome, while, within Class 2 patients, significantly (P = .00) better functional results were observed in open (Class 2b) group compared with closed group (Class 2a). Our new classification based on ramal height shortening and degree of fracture displacement can better guide clinical treatment. Class 1 fractures are treated by closed method, while open reduction is recommended in Class 2 and Class 3 cases.