Condylar Fractures of the Mandible: Treatment, Function and Anatomy

Abstract

This thesis addresses mandibular condylar neck and base fractures and present the functional and anatomical outcomes of open and closed treatment. Condylar fractures of the mandible have a major influence on functioning of the mandible by disturbance of the anatomy of the bone itself and the surrounding soft tissues. The path to recovery can be observed from an objective point of view, measuring masticatory performance with objective and repeatable tests, and from a patient’s point of view, measuring masticatory ability by questionnaires and outcomes reported by the patient (PROMs). Based on this thesis, in order to achieve best masticatory functioning after condylar neck or base fractures of the mandible, recommendation can be made that the oral and maxillofacial surgeon uses the type of treatment that he or she is most experienced with as both have the same outcomes in objective functional outcome measures and in patient reported outcomes after 6 weeks and 6 months follow-up. Complications risk, comorbidity, patient commitment and healthcare costs should be considered.