title: Open reduction-fixation of mandibular subcondylar fractures. A review.
abstract: From 1973 to 1990, 392 mandibular subcondylar fractures were treated at the University of California, Davis, by the Otolaryngology Department. Of these, 17% were handled by open reduction and internal fixation. Twenty-one patients from this group were located for follow-up at an average interval of 64 months. Retrospective review shows the operation to be safe, with few complications and no permanent sequelae. Patient examination often revealed abnormalities of occlusion and mandibular function; however, these objective findings did not correlate well with patients' relative lack of subjective complaints. An 86% incidence of roentgenographic evidence of condylar disease after open reduction and internal fixation was found. We question the long-term efficacy of open reduction and internal fixation in restoring fracture alignment and maintaining mandibular height given the high rate (86%) of condylar disease in our patient population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange 92668.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: MacArthur
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Donald
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Knowles
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome