Condylar Fractures: An Argument for Conservative Treatment

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of mandibular condyle fractures remains a controversial topic in maxillofacial surgery. No uniform treatment protocol is currently available. PURPOSE: We performed a retrospective monocentric cohort study of patients with condylar fractures and their treatment, including long-term follow-up by telephone, followed by a short review of the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The available data on condylar fractures presenting at Leuven University Hospitals between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2015, were analyzed. Cause, age, sex, fracture level, degree of displacement, associated facial fractures, malocclusion, type of treatment, and complications were noted. Follow-up by telephone was performed after an average 261 weeks for the conservative group. RESULTS: A total of 109 condylar fractures were observed with a male/female ratio of 1.14:1. Most fractures were subcondylar, unilateral, displaced, caused by road traffic accidents, and treated conservatively. DISCUSSION: In children and intracapsular fractures, conservative management remains the first choice. Maxillomandibular fixation should be used sparingly in children and for as short a time as possible. Some patients indicated for surgery can still have acceptable results if treated conservatively.