Interventions for the treatment of fractures of the mandibular condyle

Evaluation of Mini-Preauricular Incision in the Surgical Management of Condylar Fracture

Introduction Mandibular fractures have the highest incidence next to nasal bone fractures of which condylar fractures account for one-third of it. Various approaches for condylar fracture include intraoral and extraoral approaches such as coronal, preauricular, postauricular, endaural, endoscopic, rhytidectomy, transparotid, submandibular, and retromandibular approaches. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mini-preauricular incision in open reduction and internal fixation of condylar and subcondylar fractures of the mandible. Materials and methods Twenty patients with condylar fracture underwent open reduction and internal fixation under general anesthesia using a modified mini-preauricular incision and subdermal dissection approach. Parameters assessed were pain, mouth opening, occlusal derangement, accessibility of fracture site, duration of surgery, neurosensory deficit (facial nerve), postoperative edema, wound infection, wound dehiscence, and scar. Patients were followed up at an interval of one week, one month, three months, and six months. Results On comparing the parameters preoperatively and postoperatively, occlusal derangement, mouth opening, and pain showed statistical significance with a p-value of 0.01, while nerve weakness and scar assessment showed a high level of statistical significance with a p-value of 0.001. The anatomical reduction of the condyle and internal fixation with miniplates was easy when this approach was used. Patients showed transient facial nerve paralysis only. No permanent damage was noted. The resultant scar was aesthetically acceptable. Discussion The mini-preauricular approach is an effective and safe technique for open reduction and internal fixation of condylar and subcondylar fractures. This approach provided good access, good cosmetic results, and patient satisfaction. This approach resulted in very less morbidity to the facial nerve.

Towards a consensus for classification of mandibular condyle fractures

The merits of surgical treatment of fractures of the mandibular condyle versus non-surgical management remains highly controversial, despite a large volume of literature dedicated to this topic. One reason the controversy remains, is because most of the outcomes in the literature are not directly comparable. The disparate range of condylar fracture classifications used is one of the reasons that studies are not comparable. We sought to review classification systems for condylar fractures used in the recent scientific literature. Review of the literature from 2016 to 2019, looking for papers relating to fractures of the mandibular condyle. Papers identified were assessed for type of study, focus of study, classification system used. 88 studies were identified, including prospective and retrospective cohort studies, randomised and non-randomised prospective studies, randomised controlled trials and case series. More studies focussed on epidemiological factors than surgical access, fixation or outcomes. 31 used no classification system, whilst 17 used unique classification systems and 40 used previously referenced classification systems. Classification systems are used to help separate clinical problems into distinguishable groups, where there is a difference in management or outcome depending on the distinguishing features. There is currently a wide diversity of classification systems used for condyle fractures, and as a result, comparisons of surgical access, fixation and outcomes are difficult to make. Having a single classification system across the published literature would allow easier comparison and the classification proposed by the AO group is recommended for future use.

Algorithm for Management of Mandibular Condylar Base Fractures

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Increasing evidence suggests that open reduction and internal fixation of condylar base fractures in adults results in improved outcomes in regard to interincisal opening, jaw movement, pain, and malocclusion. However, most of the condylar fractures are managed by maxillomandibular fixation alone due to the need for specialized training and equipment. Our aim was to present an algorithm for condylar base fractures to simplify surgical management.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of patients (n = 22) with condylar base fractures treated from 2016 to 2020. Patients who presented with operative fractures that require open treatment underwent 1 of 2 different techniques depending on the fracture type: a preauricular approach with a transoral approach if the condyle was dislocated (n = 2) or a transoral only approach (n = 20) in nondislocated cases. Operative time, occlusion, range of motion, and postoperative complications were assessed.

Results:

Condylar base fractures were combined with other mandibular fractures in 16 of 22 patients. Patients with condylar dislocation were managed with a preauricular approach with a secondary transoral incision (n = 2, median 147 minutes). Those without dislocation were treated with a transoral approach (n = 20, median 159 minutes). Most patients were restored to their preoperative occlusion without long-term complications.

Conclusions:

We present a simplified algorithm for treating condylar base fractures. Our case series suggests that reduction in operative time and clinical success can be achieved with open reduction and internal fixation using a transoral approach alone or in combination with a preauricular approach for dislocated fractures.

Mandibular condylar fracture: a systematic review of systematic reviews and a proposed algorithm for management

The choice of surgical or non-surgical treatment of mandibular condylar fractures remains controversial. Earlier trials documented multiple complications of surgical treatment and recommended a non-surgical approach, while more recent trials have shown superior outcomes of surgical compared with non-surgical treatment in some cases. In this paper we systematically review the systematic reviews on the topic that were published before January 2019 and which followed the PRISMA statement, and propose an algorithm for the management of these fractures. Two systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria of the current review, both of which showed better outcome from surgical than non-surgical treatment. We propose an algorithm based on the feasibility of fixation, ability to restore joint and occlusal function, and ensure adequate healing, and consider patient-associated factors that facilitate decision-making.

Does Fracture Pattern Influence Functional Outcomes in the Management of Bilateral Mandibular Condylar Injuries?

The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of different types of bilateral mandibular condylar fractures. This was a retrospective study of patients with bilateral mandibular condylar fractures at a level-1 trauma center over a 15-year period. The primary predictor variable was fracture pattern, classified as type I (bilateral condylar), type II (condylar-subcondylar), or type III (bilateral subcondylar). Secondary predictor variables were demographic, injury-related, and treatment factors. Bivariate associations between the predictors and complication rates were computed; a multiple logistic regression model was utilized to adjust for confounders and effect modifiers. Thirty-eight subjects with bilateral condylar injuries met the inclusion criteria. The sample's mean age was 37.6 + 18.2 years, and 16% were female. The most common mechanisms of injury were motor vehicle collisions (53%) and falls (29%). Seventy-four percent had associated noncondylar mandibular fractures, and 32% of cases had concomitant midface fractures. Fifty-three percent of cases were classified as type I, 21% as type II, and 26% as type III. Ten subjects (26%) were managed with open reduction and internal fixation. The average length of follow-up was 4.5 + 6.3 months. After adjusting for confounders and effect modifiers, the type of fracture was a significant predictor of functional complications with type II injuries having the highest likelihood of a poor functional outcome (odds ratio: 7.77, 95% confidence interval: 1.45-41.53, p  = 0.02). Asymmetric bilateral mandibular condylar fractures may be associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcomes.

Condylar Fractures: Review of 40 Cases

Purpose:

To put an algorithmic approach for the treatment of condylar fractures according to the condition of occlusion.

Patients and Methods:

This study had been carried out between May 2016 and April 2017. Forty patients were included (6 females and 34 males) with their ages ranged between 3 and 60 years. Patients were managed through two approaches as follows: maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) only regimen and MMF with open reduction and internal fixation regimen. The operated cases were 12 with bilateral condylar/subcondylar fractures, and the rest were unilateral 28 cases.

Results:

Data were assessed demographically, time lapse before the intervention, surgically, functionally, and radiologically. In general, there were no significant differences between closed and open methods.

Conclusion:

Retromandibular approach was convenient for internal fixation of condylar fracture with a good outcome. In our work, there were no significant differences between closed and open methods in the treatment of condylar fractures.

Evidence-Based Medicine in Facial Trauma

This article provides the reader with a comprehensive review of high-level evidence-based medicine in facial trauma and highlights areas devoid of high-level evidence. The article is organized in the order one might approach a clinical problem: starting with the workup, followed by treatment considerations, operative decisions, and postoperative treatments. Individual injuries are discussed within each section, with an overview of the available high-level clinical evidence. This article not only provides a quick reference for the facial traumatologist, but also allows the reader to identify areas that lack high-level evidence, perhaps motivating future endeavors.

Big data in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery: from large databases to registries

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There are many limitations to performing clinical research with high levels of evidence in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS), such as randomization into surgical groups and sample size recruitment. Therefore, additional avenues for exploring research should be explored using big data, from databases to registries. Other organizations have developed these tools in the evolving landscape of outcomes measurement and value in healthcare, which may serve as models for our specialty.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the last 5 years, FPRS literature of large-scale outcomes research, utilizing several administrative databases, has steadily grown. Our objectives are to describe key administrative databases, strengths and weaknesses of each, and identify recent FPRS publications utilizing big data. A registry with FPRS defined outcomes has the most potential.

SUMMARY

Although FPRS research has trended to a more evidence-based approach in the modern healthcare era, gaps persist. Several large administrative databases or registries can address voids in outcomes research within FPRS.

Evidence-Based Facial Fracture Management

With demands for an evidence-based approach to patient care, the management of facial fractures will come under increasing scrutiny because there is an overall deficiency in higher level clinical evidence. This article reviews the management of facial fractures, focusing on an evidence-based approach. It focuses on select areas of facial trauma in which there is controversy and presents randomized studies and meta-analysis to help define best practice. The article notes the many areas where the evidenced-based literature is weak and looks at the future of evidence-based facial trauma care.

Interventions for the management of mandibular fractures

BACKGROUND

Fractures of the mandible (lower jaw) are a common occurrence and usually related to interpersonal violence or road traffic accidents. Mandibular fractures may be treated using open (surgical) and closed (non-surgical) techniques. Fracture sites are immobilized with intermaxillary fixation (IMF) or other external or internal devices (i.e. plates and screws) to allow bone healing. Various techniques have been used, however uncertainty exists with respect to the specific indications for each approach.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review is to provide reliable evidence of the effects of any interventions either open (surgical) or closed (non-surgical) that can be used in the management of mandibular fractures, excluding the condyles, in adult patients.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 28 February 2013), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 1), MEDLINE via OVID (1950 to 28 February 2013), EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 28 February 2013), metaRegister of Controlled Trials (to 7 April 2013), ClinicalTrials.gov (to 7 April 2013) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (to 7 April 2013). The reference lists of all trials identified were checked for further studies. There were no restrictions regarding language or date of publication.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials evaluating the management of mandibular fractures without condylar involvement. Any studies that compared different treatment approaches were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Results were to be expressed as random-effects models using mean differences for continuous outcomes and risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was to be investigated to include both clinical and methodological factors.

MAIN RESULTS

Twelve studies, assessed as high (six) and unclear (six) risk of bias, comprising 689 participants (830 fractures), were included. Interventions examined different plate materials and morphology; use of one or two lag screws; microplate versus miniplate; early and delayed mobilization; eyelet wires versus Rapid IMF™ and the management of angle fractures with intraoral access alone or combined with a transbuccal approach. Patient-oriented outcomes were largely ignored and post-operative pain scores were inadequately reported. Unfortunately, only one or two trials with small sample sizes were conducted for each comparison and outcome. Our results and conclusions should therefore be interpreted with caution. We were able to pool the results for two comparisons assessing one outcome. Pooled data from two studies comparing two miniplates versus one miniplate revealed no significant difference in the risk of post-operative infection of surgical site (risk ratio (RR) 1.32, 95% CI 0.41 to 4.22, P = 0.64, I(2) = 0%). Similarly, no difference in post-operative infection between the use of two 3-dimensional (3D) and standard (2D) miniplates was determined (RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.19 to 8.13, P = 0.81, I(2) = 27%). The included studies involved a small number of participants with a low number of events.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review illustrates that there is currently inadequate evidence to support the effectiveness of a single approach in the management of mandibular fractures without condylar involvement. The lack of high quality evidence may be explained by clinical diversity, variability in assessment tools used and difficulty in grading outcomes with existing measurement tools. Until high level evidence is available, treatment decisions should continue to be based on the clinician's prior experience and the individual circumstances.

A preauricular long-corniform approach for open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular condylar fractures

INTRODUCTION

We report functional and clinical outcomes following use of a preauricular long-corniform incision for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of mandibular condylar fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with mandibular condylar fractures who underwent ORIF via a 120° preauricular long-corniform incision were included in the study. A total of 78 patients (100 condyles) were included. Follow-up occurred 10 days and 1-6 months after surgery, and included assessments of clinical, functional outcome, complications, and bone fusion.

RESULTS

There were 38 high neck, 26 low base, and 35 diacapitular condylar fractures. All measures of functional outcome significantly improved over time after surgery regardless of fracture type (all P < 0.001). The vast majority of patients in all fracture type groups had good occlusion (≥ 88.5%), no pain (≥ 89.5%), and anatomical reduction 10 days after surgery (≥ 81.6%). Fracture healing was complete in all patients after 6 months. There were no long-term complications and all patients were satisfied with their postoperative appearance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that a preauricular long-corniform incision provides a good visual field during surgery, and allows for effective ORIF of mandibular high neck, low base, and diacapitular condylar fractures, with positive outcomes and minimal postoperative complications.