Open versus closed: Mandibular condyle fractures

The optimal treatment of a fracture of the mandibular condyle is one of the most challenging controversies in maxillofacial trauma care. Chapter 2 , closed treatment In chapter 2.1, a systematic review provides an overview of studies published on closed treatment and summarizes existing closed treatment modalities and their clinical outcomes. In chapter 2.2, an alternative non-surgical procedure for managing malocclusion complications associated with closed treatment of condylar fractures is presented. Chapter 3 , open treatment In chapter 3.1, a systematic review on open treatment provides an overview of studies published on open treatment and summarizes existing open treatment modalities and their clinical outcomes. Chapter 3.2 focuses on approaches used in the open treatment modality and provides an overview of complications of extraoral approaches to condylar fractures. Chapter 4 , open versus closed The outcomes of a cross-sectional study are presented; responses on the MFIQ for subjective mandibular function, outcomes of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders for TMD complaints and jaw dysfunction (chapter 4.1), the results of the mixing ability test for masticatory performance (chapter 4.2), and condyle volumes measured on cone beam computed tomography scans (chapter 4.3). Chapter 4.4 presents a promising alternative to the conventional RCT, i.e., a cohort multiple RCT approach. For now, closed treatment seems to be a safe and appropriate treatment for most unilateral condylar fractures. Although open treatment in general showed similar outcomes, it should be reserved for limited indications. Adequate clinical decision-making is the pivotal factor for avoiding unwanted surgery-related complications