Prospective evaluation of a new classification system for the management of mandibular subcondylar fractures

We propose a new classification of subcondylar fractures of the mandible based on ramal height shortening and degree of fracture angulation and present our treatment experience using this classification system.

Eighty patients with subcondylar fractures of the mandible were evaluated. We categorized the fractures into 3 classes: Class 1 (minimally displaced), fracture with ramal height shortening: <2 mm and/or degree of fracture displacement: <10°; Class 2 (moderately displaced), fracture with ramal height shortening: 2 to 15 mm and/or degree of fracture displacement: 10 to 35°; Class 3 (severely displaced), fracture with ramal height shortening: >15 mm and/or degree of fracture displacement: >35°. Our treatment protocol is closed treatment for Class 1 fractures; either closed or open treatment for Class 2 fractures; and open treatment for Class 3 fractures.

Among 80 patients, 20 had Class 1 fractures (25%), 40 had Class 2 fractures (50%), and 20 had Class 3 fractures (25%). In Class 2 fractures, 22 patients were managed by closed treatment (Class 2a) and 18 by open treatment (Class 2b). No statistically significant differences were found between the 3 classes in terms of functional outcome, while, within Class 2 patients, significantly (P = .00) better functional results were observed in open (Class 2b) group compared with closed group (Class 2a).

Our new classification based on ramal height shortening and degree of fracture displacement can better guide clinical treatment. Class 1 fractures are treated by closed method, while open reduction is recommended in Class 2 and Class 3 cases.