Comparison between orthopedic and surgical treatment of mandibular condylar fractures. An epidemiological and treatment outcomes research of the Maxillofacial Center in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Condyle fractures are one of the most common traumas of the mandibular bone, but the treatment of these lesions lacks a standardized protocol. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of orthopedic treatment by comparison with surgical treatment in a 10-year retrospective study.

METHODS

We included condyle fracture patients treated in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Cluj-Napoca County Hospital between 2015 and 2024.

RESULTS

Young men were prone to suffer from mandibular condyle fractures, aggression being the most frequent cause. Usually, minor or moderate painkillers and amoxicillin are enough as medical treatment. There were no statistically significant differences between outcomes of orthopedic and. surgical treatment in patients with condylar trauma without displacement.

CONCLUSION

The condylar fractures with no displacement or changes in the functionality of the mandible can be successfully treated by orthopedic reduction and intermaxillary fixation. The results of this study may help in choosing the optimal treatment based on the characteristics of the clinical cases.