Comparison between open and closed reduction techniques for mandibular fractures: A systematic review

The ideal management of mandibular fractures is still controversial and both closed reduction and open reduction procedures are practiced extensively. The objective of this systematic review was to compare and assess the functional outcome, complication rate, esthetic outcome and patient satisfaction in both forms of treatment. Exhaustive searching of various databases was done to select studies that compared open with closed reduction directly for treating mandibular fractures. The evidence supports that open reduction is superior in early functional recovery, reduced immobilization and improved aesthetics, while closed reduction has advantages of more prolonged treatment but less severe surgical complications. Both are nonetheless effective in gaining successful fracture healing if properly chosen according to the clinical condition of patients.