Mandibular condyle ectomy for the treatment of comminuted condylar fracture.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility and indication of condylectomy for treatment of comminuted fractures of the condyle above the neck. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with condylar fractures, treated between September 2007 and September 2011 were reviewed respectively. Among them, 30 underwent open reduction and internal fixation, 15 underwent conservative therapy, and 16 patients (18 sides) who had comminuted fractures of the condyle above the neck underwent condylectomy. All the patients were followed up for 5 to 48 months after treatment to evaluate the outcomes. RESULTS: Among the 16 patients with condylectomy, poor wound healing due to rejection of hemostatic gauze was noted in 1 patient, occlusal deviation occurred in 1 patient, mild mouth opening limitation happened in 1 patient, and anterior open bite was present in 1 patient. The other patients recovered well, without apparent discomfort, malocclusion and facial asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with finished maxillofacial growth, condylectomy is a feasible and effective way for management of comminuted fractures of the condyle above the neck. Postoperative occlusal deviation, open bite and limited mouth opening can be corrected with further expectant treatment. Supported by Science and Technology Initiation Fund of Lishui People's Hospital(2012MY12). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]