title: The role of open reduction and internal fixation in unilateral fractures of the mandibular condyle: a prospective study.
abstract: The purpose of this report is to present our experience in the management of unilateral condylar fractures between 1995 and 1998. This prospective study was carried out at a Regional Maxillofacial Unit and Teaching Hospital in the UK, and included 54 patients, of whom 32 attended for review. In all, 42 men and 12 women (age range 17-40 years) entered the study: 28 patients had unilateral fractures of the mandibular condyle alone; the remainder also had another mandibular fracture, invariably at the parasymphysis. Thirty-five of the patients (65%) had allegedly been assaulted. This is at variance with a recent study published by the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, which showed that only 24% of facial injuries were the result of inter-personal violence. Open reduction and internal fixation of the mandibular condyle seems to carry low morbidity and may be of considerable functional benefit to the patient.
authors.affiliation: Maxillofacial Unit, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hyde
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manisali
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Aghabeigi
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sneddon
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Newman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome