Do Splints Play a Role in the Management of Condylar Postfracture Syndrome After Mandibular Angle Fractures?-A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Fractures of the mandibular angle can result in condylar postfracture syndrome (CPFS) due to indirect injury to the condylar region. Studies evaluating early intervention for CPFS are lacking. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of interocclusal splint therapy for the prevention and early management of CPFS.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was designed and included patients who required open reduction and internal fixation for a unilateral angle fracture. The patients were divided into 2 groups. The study group received interocclusal splints postoperatively and the control group did not receive such splints. The patients were followed up at 2 weeks and 1, 2, and 3 months. The primary outcome measure was the presence or absence of CPFS after 3 months. CPFS was defined as the presence of any 1 of the clinical signs of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The secondary outcomes included the mean pain scores and degree of mouth opening, which were evaluated at each follow-up visit.

RESULTS

The study included 40 patients, with 20 patients each randomized to the study and control groups. At the end of 3 months, CPFS was present in 2 patients in the study group and in all 20 patients in the control group. The mean pain scores were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group, and the mean mouth opening was significantly greater.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of interocclusal splints was found to be effective in the prevention and early management of CPFS. The use of splints also resulted in decreased pain and an improved mandibular mouth opening.