Related Experiment Videos
Evaluation of surgical outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation of condylar fractures: An ambispective
Cahlil Mark Gomes1, Gopinath Thilak Ps1, Padmaraj J Hegde1
1Nitte (Deemed to be University), AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS), Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
Background And Aim:
Mandibular condylar fractures can cause functional impairment, malocclusion, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction; consequently, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is increasingly adopted. This study evaluated the clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes of ORIF for condylar fractures over varying postoperative follow-up periods.
Study Design:
This ambispective cohort study included 60 patients who underwent ORIF for unilateral or bilateral mandibular condylar fractures between 2021 and 2025. Clinical evaluation included mandibular mobility, TMJ dysfunction, occlusal discrepancies, facial nerve function, scar assessment, and postoperative complications. Radiographic assessment compared immediate postoperative and follow-up CBCT scans for vertical ramus height, condylar morphology and position, osteolytic or osteosynthetic changes, and hardware-related complications. Patients were grouped based on follow-up duration (6 months-1 year, 1-2 years, >2 years).
Results:
Male predominance was observed, with unilateral and subcondylar fractures being the most common. Functional assessment revealed no significant differences in mandibular mobility, TMJ dysfunction, or TMJ sounds across follow-up periods. Mouth-opening symmetry improved significantly at 1-2-years postoperatively (p = 0.02), and facial nerve weakness, particularly involving the temporal branch, showed significant recovery over time (p = 0.03). Occlusal discrepancies, salivary complications, and unfavourable scarring were minimal. Radiographic evaluation revealed consistent osteosynthetic changes with low incidences of plate fracture, displacement, or screw loosening. A gradual reduction in vertical ramus height was observed in long-term follow-up although non-significant.
Conclusions:
ORIF of mandibular condylar fractures provides reliable functional recovery, stable radiographic outcomes, minimal long-term complications, and satisfactory aesthetic results in appropriately selected cases.
