EVALUATION OF CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF MANDIBULAR CONDYLAR FRACTURE TREATED WITH OPEN REDUCTION AND INTERNAL FIXATION (ORIF) PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background

Mandibular condylar fractures account for a substantial proportion of maxillofacial injuries and can significantly affect occlusion, mandibular function, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health. Although open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is increasingly utilized for displaced condylar fractures, concerns regarding postoperative complications and functional outcomes persist, particularly in low- and middle-income settings.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of mandibular condylar fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mardan Medical Complex, Pakistan. Patients aged 12–60 years with radiologically confirmed mandibular condylar fractures treated with ORIF were included using consecutive sampling. Clinical outcomes assessed during follow-up included maximum mouth opening, occlusal status, TMJ function, facial nerve injury, and postoperative complications. Maximum mouth opening was measured at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Data were analyzed using appropriate descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods.

Results

A total of 126 patients were included, predominantly male, with most fractures being unilateral and displaced. The condylar neck was the most frequently involved fracture level. A statistically significant improvement in maximum mouth opening was observed between 1 month and 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). The majority of patients achieved satisfactory occlusion. TMJ-related symptoms and facial nerve injury occurred in a minority of cases and were mostly transient. Postoperative complications, including surgical site infection and hardware-related problems, were infrequent.

Conclusion

Open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular condylar fractures was associated with favorable short-term functional outcomes, high rates of satisfactory occlusion, and acceptable complication rates in a tertiary care setting. These findings support ORIF as a reliable treatment option for appropriately selected patients, while highlighting the need for further prospective studies with longer follow-up to assess long-term outcomes.