Unilateral Condylar Fracture with Review of Treatment Modalities in 30 Cases - An Evaluative Study

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of subcondylar mandible fractures is a topic of debate and can be variable even though these fractures are commonly seen. The present study aimed at evaluation of various treatment modalities for unilateral condylar fracture in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with unilateral condylar fractures between the age of 18 and 60 years were evaluated. Treatment protocol included closed reduction for 15 patients and open reduction for 15 patients. RESULTS: Assessment was done functionally for maximum interincisal mouth opening, deviation on maximum interincisal mouth opening, occlusion and facial nerve function, and radiologically for ramus height shortening. In general, there were no statistically significant differences between closed and open methods. DISCUSSION: Both the treatment options for condylar fractures of the mandible yielded acceptable results. Closed treatment appears to be a safe and appropriate modality for most unilateral condylar fractures. Although the open group, in general, showed similar outcomes, this treatment should be reserved for limited indications. The present study has confirmed that both treatment options can yield acceptable results. On clinical examination, there was no significant difference in mouth opening measures, the incidence of occlusal disturbances or in the degree of pain perception.