Publication:

Outcomes of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of mandibular condyle fractures

Background The purpose of the present study was to analyze the outcome result of surgical and nonsurgical treatment of mandibular condyle fractures in patients treated at the Department of Oral and maxillofacial surgery, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital.

Methods A retrospective study of 27 patients treated for mandibular condyle fractures at Department of Oral and maxillofacial surgery, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital between 2008-2010 was performed. Sixteen patients were treated nonsurgically and 11 patients by surgical treatment. Outcome results on clinical and radiological parameters were evaluated during the follow up period.

Results In nonsurgical group, 9 patients (56%) had loss of vertical ramus height and 6 patients (37.5%) had reduced mouth opening of below 35 mm. In open reduction group temporary facial nerve weakness was seen in 2 patients (18%) and one patient developed post operative infection. None of the patients in both groups had malocclusion.

Conclusions The study concludes that nonsurgical treatment gives satisfactory clinical results, though the condyle is not anatomically normal in radiographs, whereas surgical treatment provided more accurate results clinically as well as radiographically.