Management of mandibular condyle fractures in Jordan

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of Jordanian oral and maxillofacial surgeons [OMFS] with regard to the management of mandibular condyle head and neck fractures in adults and to compare results with those found in the international literature. A questionnaire comprising five clinical scenarios, on the management of condylar head and neck fractures in isolation and in combination with other mandibular fractures, and questions on fixation method and surgical approach was used. The questionnaire was sent to 54 registered OMFS practicing in Jordan. Thirty-three completed questionnaires were returned [61%]. A consensus was found among the respondents on the use of closed treatment for slightly displaced [P<0.001] and intra-capsular and /or comminuted fractures [P<0.001], and the majority preferred open treatment for displaced [P<0.05] and dislocated [P<0.001] condylar fractures with abnormal occlusion. In bilateral fractures, the respondents were more likely to openly treat at least one condyle if either was displaced or dislocated. Almost all surgeons were familiar with the use of osteosynthesis mini-plates and the preauricular approach was the most favoured. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons in this survey were more likely to use open reduction for displaced and dislocated fractures associated with malocclusion in adults, and this is in accordance with the current trend in the literature