Which Factors Are Associated with Open Reduction of Adult Mandibular Condylar Injuries?

Open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular condylar fractures: A national inpatient sample analysis, 2005-2014

The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus closed reduction (CR) for mandibular condylar fractures.Patients included in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2005-2014) who were admitted to the hospital for unilateral mandibular condylar fracture were included in the analysis. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between those who received ORIF and those receiving CR. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for each aspect of the main observed events.NIS data of 12,303 patients who underwent ORIF and 4310 patients who underwent CR were analyzed. Compared to CR, ORIF had an increased risk of longer hospital stay (adjusted OR [aOR] = 1.78, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] = 1.51-2.09), higher total medical cost (aOR = 2.57, 95% CI = 2.17-3.05), and hematoma development (aOR = 10.66, 95% CI = 1.43-75.59), but had a lower risk of having wound complications (aOR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.79-0.93).Patients with mandibular condylar fractures who receive ORIF have greater risk of having an extended hospital stay, higher total medical costs, and hematoma development but lower risk of experiencing wound complications compared to those who receive CR.

Surgical Treatment for Extracapsular Condylar Fractures of the Mandible

BACKGROUND

Condylar fractures are considered the most controversial mandibular fractures, regarding both the diagnosis and the treatment. With the increase in surgical indications for handling this type of fracture, it is important to discuss about the advantages and disadvantages of the several surgical approaches available. This article describes the surgical details and postoperative results of the mini-retromandibular transparotid approach for treating extracapsular condylar fractures of the mandible.

METHODS

In a 1-year period, 16 patients affected by extracapsular condylar fractures with surgical indication were treated with the mini-retromandibular transparotid approach. All the surgeries were executed by the same surgeon. Preoperative and postoperative details of each patient were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the postoperatory, only 2 patients had purulent drainage in the associated fractures area and only 1 patient had paresis of the buccal branch of the facial nerve. No scar issues concerning the surgical wound were observed and reintervention was not necessary in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

The mini-retromandibular transparotid approach offers advantages and should be included as an option for the open treatment of extracapsular condylar fractures of the mandible.

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.