What Is the Most Stable Fixation Technique for Mandibular Condyle Fracture?

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Mandibular condylar fractures represent a significant portion of all mandibular fractures (29-52%).
• Surgical treatment debates focus on fixation methods for condylar fractures.
• Systematic review and meta-analysis are employed to address treatment controversies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes of various fixation methods for mandibular condylar fractures.
• To resolve controversies regarding the optimal surgical approach for condylar fractures.
• To evaluate the efficacy and complication rates associated with different fixation techniques.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies.
• Electronic database search for English-language studies from January 2000 to July 2018.
• Adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Main Results:

• 16 studies involving 831 patients with mandibular subcondylar fractures were included.
• Patients were categorized into 25 groups based on fixation method, follow-up, intermaxillary fixation use, and associated fractures.
• Analysis focused on stability and outcomes of different internal fixation strategies.

Conclusions:

• Single plate fixation is associated with a higher incidence of complications.
• Complications include hardware failure, screw loosening, and postoperative malocclusion.
• Evidence suggests alternative fixation methods may yield superior outcomes for mandibular condylar fractures.