Occlusal results after open or closed treatment of fractures of the mandibular condylar process.

PURPOSE This study compared the occlusal relationships after open or closed treatment for fractures of the mandibular condylar process. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 137 patients with unilateral fractures of the mandibular condylar process (neck or subcondylar), 77 treated closed and 65 treated open, were included in this study. Standardized occlusal photographs obtained at several postsurgical time intervals were examined and scored by a surgeon and an orthodontist. Standard statistical methods were used to assess differences between groups. RESULTS Patients treated by closed techniques had a significantly greater percentage of malocclusion compared with patients treated by open reduction, in spite of the fact that the initial displacement of the fractures was greater in patients treated by open reduction. CONCLUSIONS Based on this study, more consistent occlusal results can be expected when fractures of the mandibular condylar process are treated by open reduction.