A Comparative Analysis of Surgical and Conservative Management in Intra-Articular Condylar Fractures: A Retrospective Study

<b>Background:</b> Mandibular condylar fractures are among the most common fractures of the facial skeleton, and their surgical management remains a topic of considerable debate in maxillofacial trauma surgery. Numerous studies in the literature internationally have explored optimal trea...

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Main Authors: Gabriele Monarchi, Lisa Catarzi, Mariagrazia Paglianiti, Davide Valassina, Paolo Balercia, Giuseppe Consorti
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Surgeries
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4095/5/4/83
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author Gabriele Monarchi
Lisa Catarzi
Mariagrazia Paglianiti
Davide Valassina
Paolo Balercia
Giuseppe Consorti
author_facet Gabriele Monarchi
Lisa Catarzi
Mariagrazia Paglianiti
Davide Valassina
Paolo Balercia
Giuseppe Consorti
author_sort Gabriele Monarchi
collection DOAJ
description <b>Background:</b> Mandibular condylar fractures are among the most common fractures of the facial skeleton, and their surgical management remains a topic of considerable debate in maxillofacial trauma surgery. Numerous studies in the literature internationally have explored optimal treatment approaches, with a growing preference for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). While conservative treatment has traditionally been the standard for intra-articular fractures, recent research suggests that ORIF may also be appropriate for selected cases of these fractures. <b>Methods:</b> This study presents a 14-year review (2009–2023) of the authors’ experience in the surgical management of intra-articular condylar fractures. Data were collected on surgical techniques, early and late complications, clinical and radiological outcomes, and comparisons with conservative treatment. <b>Results:</b> The analysis included evaluations of both short-term and long-term outcomes following ORIF, identifying specific scenarios where ORIF demonstrated advantages over conservative management. Clinical and radiographic assessments provided valuable insights into patient recovery and functional outcomes, while complication rates were documented for both treatment methods. <b>Conclusions:</b> Findings indicate that ORIF can be a beneficial treatment option for intra-articular condylar fractures in select patient groups, offering improved outcomes in cases where conservative treatment may be insufficient. However, conservative management remains a valid approach when surgical risks exceed potential benefits. This study adds to the ongoing discussion, supporting a tailored approach that considers individual patient factors when choosing between ORIF and conservative treatment.
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spelling doaj-art-2f1cced004354ec7a8d97690c1e056962025-08-20T02:01:10ZengMDPI AGSurgeries2673-40952024-11-01541033104210.3390/surgeries5040083A Comparative Analysis of Surgical and Conservative Management in Intra-Articular Condylar Fractures: A Retrospective StudyGabriele Monarchi0Lisa Catarzi1Mariagrazia Paglianiti2Davide Valassina3Paolo Balercia4Giuseppe Consorti5Department of Medicine, Section of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 53100 Siena, ItalyDepartment of Medicine, Section of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 53100 Siena, ItalyDepartment of Medicine, Section of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 53100 Siena, ItalyDivision of Maxillofacial Surgery, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII Piazza OMS, 24121 Bergamo, ItalyDivision of Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Neurological Sciences, Marche University Hospitals-Umberto I, Ancona, Via Conca 71, 60126 Ancona, ItalyDivision of Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Neurological Sciences, Marche University Hospitals-Umberto I, Ancona, Via Conca 71, 60126 Ancona, Italy<b>Background:</b> Mandibular condylar fractures are among the most common fractures of the facial skeleton, and their surgical management remains a topic of considerable debate in maxillofacial trauma surgery. Numerous studies in the literature internationally have explored optimal treatment approaches, with a growing preference for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). While conservative treatment has traditionally been the standard for intra-articular fractures, recent research suggests that ORIF may also be appropriate for selected cases of these fractures. <b>Methods:</b> This study presents a 14-year review (2009–2023) of the authors’ experience in the surgical management of intra-articular condylar fractures. Data were collected on surgical techniques, early and late complications, clinical and radiological outcomes, and comparisons with conservative treatment. <b>Results:</b> The analysis included evaluations of both short-term and long-term outcomes following ORIF, identifying specific scenarios where ORIF demonstrated advantages over conservative management. Clinical and radiographic assessments provided valuable insights into patient recovery and functional outcomes, while complication rates were documented for both treatment methods. <b>Conclusions:</b> Findings indicate that ORIF can be a beneficial treatment option for intra-articular condylar fractures in select patient groups, offering improved outcomes in cases where conservative treatment may be insufficient. However, conservative management remains a valid approach when surgical risks exceed potential benefits. This study adds to the ongoing discussion, supporting a tailored approach that considers individual patient factors when choosing between ORIF and conservative treatment.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4095/5/4/83mandibular fracturecondylar fracturetraumainternal fixationmalocclusion
spellingShingle Gabriele Monarchi
Lisa Catarzi
Mariagrazia Paglianiti
Davide Valassina
Paolo Balercia
Giuseppe Consorti
A Comparative Analysis of Surgical and Conservative Management in Intra-Articular Condylar Fractures: A Retrospective Study
Surgeries
mandibular fracture
condylar fracture
trauma
internal fixation
malocclusion
title A Comparative Analysis of Surgical and Conservative Management in Intra-Articular Condylar Fractures: A Retrospective Study
title_full A Comparative Analysis of Surgical and Conservative Management in Intra-Articular Condylar Fractures: A Retrospective Study
title_fullStr A Comparative Analysis of Surgical and Conservative Management in Intra-Articular Condylar Fractures: A Retrospective Study
title_full_unstemmed A Comparative Analysis of Surgical and Conservative Management in Intra-Articular Condylar Fractures: A Retrospective Study
title_short A Comparative Analysis of Surgical and Conservative Management in Intra-Articular Condylar Fractures: A Retrospective Study
title_sort comparative analysis of surgical and conservative management in intra articular condylar fractures a retrospective study
topic mandibular fracture
condylar fracture
trauma
internal fixation
malocclusion
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4095/5/4/83
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