A comparative study of closed versus open reduction and internal fixation (using retromandibular approach) in the management of subcondylar fracture

Abstract Objective: To compare open reduction with internal fixation of mandibular subcondylar fracture with closed reduction in terms of adequate mouth opening. Method: The randomised clinical trial was conducted from March 2014 to February 2015 at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, King Edward Medical University and Allied Hospitals, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised patients who presented with unilateral subcondylar fractures. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group-A patients were treated with closed reduction and immobilisation and were discharged the same day, while Group-B patients were treated by open reduction with internal fixation and retained in ward for 1 day. Both were recalled for periodic follow-ups, and were compared in terms of achieving adequate mouth opening. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Results: Of the 70 patients, 35(50%) were in each of the two groups. The mean age in Group-A was 28.88±11.86 years compared to 28.22±10.80 years in Group-B (p>0.05). Mean mouth opening in the two groups were consistently positive, and significant at the last two follow-ups(p<0.001). Conclusion: The difference in results of both treatment modalities was significant, indicating that open reduction and internal fixation should be the preferred treatment. Key Words: Mandibular sub-condylar fracture, Open reduction, Closed reduction, Internal fixation, Mouth opening.

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CRB modification to retromandibular approach for management of subcondylar fractures.

International Journal of Medical and Surgical Sciences ◽

10.32457/ijmss.2019.026 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 84-87

Author(s):

Chandrashekhar Bande ◽

Krishna Kurawar ◽

Ashish Maheshkar ◽

Ankita Bhagat ◽

Manu Goel

Keyword(s):

Postoperative Complications ◽

Facial Nerve ◽

Internal Fixation ◽

Open Reduction ◽

Good Alternative ◽

Surgical Access ◽

Subcondylar Fracture ◽

Ease Of Access ◽

Scar Mark

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of CRB modification of retromandibular approach to gain surgical access for open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular subcondylar fractures. A total number of 264 sustained extra-capsular subcondylar fractures from 230 patients were selected for the study over the period of 5 years. Evaluation of intraoperative accessibility, postoperative facial nerve function, postoperative complications and scar was carried out. All the patients were treated using CRB Curvilinear approach. Patient follow up was recorded for 1 year on a regular interval basis. Symptoms of postoperative facial nerve injury were seen in 2 patients which recovered with time, postoperative complications were not encountered in any case and minimum scar mark hidden in the cervical skin crease. Hence open reduction and internal fixation for Subcondylar fracture of mandible by using the CRB modification of retromandibular approach is a good alternative for other conventional approaches in having ease of access, ease of fixation, reduced incidences of injury to facial nerve and its branches with good aesthetic outcome.

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