Current Frequency of Mandibular Condylar Process Fractures

Abstract

There are significant discrepancies in the reported prevalence of condylar process fractures among all mandibular fractures (16.5–56%) in the available literature. In addition, it seems that the actual number of difficult-to-treat fractures of the mandibular head is unknown. The purpose of this study is to present the current incidence of the different types of mandibular process fractures with a special focus on mandibular head fractures. The medical records of 386 patients with single or multiple mandibular fractures were reviewed. Of the fractures found, 58% were body fractures, 32% were angle fractures, 7% were ramus fractures, 2% were coronoid process fractures, and 45% were condylar process fractures. The most common fracture of the condylar process was a basal fracture (54% of condylar fractures), and the second most common fracture was a fracture of the mandibular head (34% of condylar process fractures). Further, 16% of patients had low-neck fractures, and 16% had high-neck fractures. Of the patients with head fractures, 8% had a type A fracture, 34% had a type B fracture, and 73% had a type C fracture. A total of 89.6% of the patients were surgically treated with ORIF. Mandibular head fractures are not as rare as previously thought. Head fractures occur twice as often in the pediatric population than in adults. A mandibular fracture is most likely related to a mandible head fracture. Such evidence can guide the diagnostic procedure in the future.

Patient’s Perception of Outcome after Extracapsular Fractures of the Mandibular Condyle Differs from Objective Evaluation—Experience of a Third-Level Hospital

“…One hundred and seven fractures (93.0%) were treated by ORIF, whereas eight fractures (7.0%) received conservative therapy. This distribution of open and closed treatment is consistent with other studies [ 1 ]. Type one was present in 62.5% of conservatively treated fractures, whereas 97.0% of the displaced and dislocated fractures underwent ORIF ( p < 0.001).…”

“…Fractures of the mandibular condyle are reported to account for up to 45% of all mandibular fractures [ 1 ]. Despite the exceptional frequency of this kind of fracture, its management is discussed controversially in maxillofacial surgery [ 2 , 3 ].…”

Isolated fracture of the coronoid process following a molar extraction: A rare case report

“…[19][20][21] Furthermore, isolated coronoid process fractures of iatrogenic origin are even rarer. 10 To our knowledge, there have only been three instances of previously reported cases in the literature. [22][23][24] Our case describes a fourth occurrence.…”

“…Most common locations of mandibular fractures, include, the condylar process, symphysis, and mandibular angle and rasmus. 9,10 However, because the coronoid process is located deep beneath the zygomatic complex and is protected by muscle fibres, rarely does a fracture occur in this location. 11,12 Fractures of the coronoid process often occur in conjunction with other bone fractures, primarily zygomatic arch fractures and most result from auto accidents, violence, falls, or sports injuries.…”

A Temporary Intraoperative Fixation Method for the Absorbable Plates Fixation of Condylar Fracture by Retromandibular Transparotid Approach

“…Subcondylar fractures of the mandible account for about 25% to 35% of all condylar fractures 1,2 . Open reduction and internal fixation are commonly used for subcondylar fractures, as open treatment is more effective in restoring a patient’s premorbid occlusion and mandibular movements 1,2 . At present, there are many reports on the applications of absorbable plates in the fixation of condylar fractures 3,4 .…”