Open versus closed treatment of unilateral moderately displaced mandibular condylar fractures: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of operative and conservative treatment of displaced condylar fractures of the mandible, a meta-analysis was performed.

STUDY

DESIGN

PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE electronic databases were searched until 10 December 2012. English studies were restricted in randomized controlled trials (RCT).

RESULTS

Four RCT with 177 patients were included. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in the maximal interincisal opening (P = .32). However a statistically significant difference was seen that operative treatment statistically got better efficacy in lateral excursion movement, protrusion, malocclusion, and temporomandibular joint pain (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis confirms that both treatment options for unilateral displaced condylar fractures of the mandible yielded acceptable results. However, operative treatment was superior in most objective and subjective functional parameters.