Clinical review of various surgical approaches in the treatment of mandibular condyle fracture

Kim, Ji Hyuck; Kim, Soung Min; Kwon, Gwang Jun; Park, Young Wook

Abstract

Various surgical approaches in the mandibular condyle fracture have been reported and many advantages of intraoral reduction were also introduced. But there are still controversies about surgical method of condylar fractures up to date. To establish the surgical approach protocol of condylar fracture, from May 2001 to December 2004, total 65 patients with 74 fractures of the mandibular condyle were reviewed during 2 years, retrospectively. All cases were classified according to the treatment considering factors, such as the level of fracture, degree and direction of displacement of fractured segment, patient's age and gender, surgical approach methods, and their complications. Especially, advantages and surgical limitations of extraoral surgical approach, such as direct reduction and fixation via submandibular approach, Nam's method, and endaural approach, were compared with those of intraoral surgical approach, such as direct intraoral reduction with transbuccal fixation or right angle driver system, and intraoral reinsertional approach after extraoral fixation of fractured fragment. The guidelines of surgical approach of condylar fracture based on our clilnical retrospective experiences and literature reviews can be suggested.