title: Closed versus open treatment of mandibular condylar process fractures: A meta-analysis of retrospective and prospective studies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The treatment of fractures of the mandibular process remains controversial, although there is a trend towards open reduction and internal fixation. This study compared open and closed treatments and assessed the results with a meta-analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search of PubMed found eight studies that met the search criteria and were included in the meta-analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The studies increasingly suggest better results for open treatment, in terms of mouth opening, protrusion, laterotrusion, pain, and malocclusion. In the meta-analysis, the outcome was significantly better for laterotrusion and protrusion in patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Due to the different study protocols and lack of information on classification, follow-up time, and inclusion criteria, comparison of the studies remains difficult and further prospective, randomized studies should examine these issues.
authors: Faculty of Medicine, Zentrum für Zahnmedizin, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
authors: Tanja
authors: T
authors: Berner
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
authors: Harald
authors: H
authors: Essig
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
authors: Paul
authors: P
authors: Schumann
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Blumer
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Lanzer
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Rücker
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland. Electronic address: Thomas.Gander@usz.ch.
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Gander
mesh_terms: D000070628:Closed Fracture Reduction / Q000379:methods*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D000070799:Open Fracture Reduction / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Closed treatment; Mandibular condylar fracture; Meta-analysis; Open treatment