Fracture of the Mandibular Condyle

Abstract

AbstractCondylar fractures of the mandible have intrigued surgeons for decades. This is because of many reasons which have ranged from difficulty in evaluating to managing condylar fractures which have always courted controversies. There has been an attempt to classify condylar fractures from the mid nineteenth century. During early times most of the classifications were focused on purpose of locating the fracture rather than on treatment. As radiological imagery evolved condylar fractures are better understood and have resulted in a different approach to their management. This resulted in a change of classification systems which are focused on management. At the same time a better understanding of the various approaches to the condylar region along with the improvement of armamentarium has resulted in the shift of management of condylar fractures which at one time was closed to open reduction and fixation. In this chapter the focus is on various classifications systems, evaluation of the patient, management and outcome with various modalities of treatment.