Commentary regarding the publication "Fractures of the mandibular condyle--a review of 466 cases. Literature review, reflections on treatment and proposals" by N. Zachariades et al.
The paper by Zachariades et al. presents a considerable contribution with regards to the epidemiology of condylar fractures. Hence, it is not possible to draw conclusions from this study with regards to the indication of open reduction or closed treatment. Only well-documented prospective and, if possible, randomized studies will be able to help us in the fracture. In the first prospective randomized study [Eckelt U, Schneider M, Erasmus F, Gerlach KL, Kuhlisch E, Loukota R, Rasse M, Schubert J, Terheyden H: Open versus closed treatment of fractures of the mandibular condylar process - a prospective randomized multi-centre study. J Cranio Maxillofac Surg 34: 306-314, 2006], advantages were observed for the open reduction and fixation of displaced fractures with stable osteosynthesis.
Eckelt
Uwe
U
Klinik und Poliklinik f. Mund-Kiefer-und Gesichtschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany. mkg@rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de
D005592:Fracture Fixation; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic