Does Fracture Pattern Influence Functional Outcomes in the Management of Bilateral Mandibular Condylar Injuries?

Cranial Maxillofac Trauma Reconstruction DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1668500The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of different types of bilateral mandibular condylar fractures. This was a retrospective study of patients with bilateral mandibular condylar fractures at a level-1 trauma center over a 15-year period. The primary predictor variable was fracture pattern, classified as type I (bilateral condylar), type II (condylar–subcondylar), or type III (bilateral subcondylar). Secondary predictor variables were demographic, injury-related, and treatment factors. Bivariate associations between the predictors and complication rates were computed; a multiple logistic regression model was utilized to adjust for confounders and effect modifiers. Thirty-eight subjects with bilateral condylar injuries met the inclusion criteria. The sample's mean age was 37.6 + 18.2 years, and 16% were female. The most common mechanisms of injury were motor vehicle collisions (53%) and falls (29%). Seventy-four percent had associated noncondylar mandibular fractures, and 32% of cases had concomitant midface fractures. Fifty-three percent of cases were classified as type I, 21% as type II, and 26% as type III. Ten subjects (26%) were managed with open reduction and internal fixation. The average length of follow-up was 4.5 + 6.3 months. After adjusting for confounders and effect modifiers, the type of fracture was a significant predictor of functional complications with typ...

Source: Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction - September 21, 2018 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Wang, Howard D. Susarla, Srinivas M. Yang, Robin Mundinger, Gerhard S. Schultz, Benjamin D. Banda, Abhishake MacMillan, Alexandra Manson, Paul N. Nam, Arthur J. Dorafshar, Amir H. Tags: Original Article Source Type: research