Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
Published on: June 6, 2025
Indications for treatment of subcondylar mandibular fractures
J Kleinheinz1, G E Anastassov, U Joos
1Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.
Background And Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to establish a reliable criteria for implementation of either an open surgical or a closed conservative treatment of subcondylar fractures, based on clinical data and analytical mathematical model.
Methods And Materials:
A total of 512 subcondylar fractures were treated during a 3-year period. Of these, 256 were fractures characterized by either displacement or dislocation of the proximal (condylar) segment. Patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or closed reduction (CR) techniques. Patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively by clinical examination, 3-dimensional axiography, radiographic imaging, and ultrasonography. A mathematical model was developed for estimating the loss of vertical ramus height.
Results And/Or Conclusions:
When the displacements were less than 37 degrees from the sagittal axis of the ascending ramus, the ensuing loss of vertical height was negligible when fractures were treated by conservative techniques. When the displacements exceeded 37 degrees, the fractures resulted in a significant decrease of vertical ramus height. Based on these data, 37 degrees appears to be the point for decision of whether to use closed or open treatment.
