Closed versus open treatment of mandibular condylar process fractures: A meta-analysis of retrospective and prospective studies.

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of fractures of the mandibular process remains controversial, although there is a trend towards open reduction and internal fixation. This study compared open and closed treatments and assessed the results with a meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed found eight studies that met the search criteria and were included in the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The studies increasingly suggest better results for open treatment, in terms of mouth opening, protrusion, laterotrusion, pain, and malocclusion. In the meta-analysis, the outcome was significantly better for laterotrusion and protrusion in patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation.

CONCLUSION

Due to the different study protocols and lack of information on classification, follow-up time, and inclusion criteria, comparison of the studies remains difficult and further prospective, randomized studies should examine these issues.