[Latest trends in the surgical management of mandibular condyle fractures in France, 2005-2012].

INTRODUCTION

The surgical treatment of mandibular condylar fractures is commonly performed. We had for aim to present the latest trends in the surgical management of condylar fractures in France, between 2005 and 2012.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A survey was performed among the 49 members of the French college of oral and maxillofacial surgeons between January and September 2012, with a questionnaire sent by email. We analyzed the therapeutic management, the surgical indications; the techniques used according to the fracture, and the postoperative treatment protocols. The data was compared to that of a similar study performed in 2005.

RESULTS

The overall reply rate was 86%. Low subcondylar fractures were operated on in all institutions (100%), compared to 76% in 2005. The most popular technique was the high submandibular approach with intraoral miniplate fixation osteosynthesis. High subcondylar and diacapitular fractures were operated on in respectively 82% and 35% of the cases compared to 29% and 10% in 2005 with various surgical techniques and postoperative management.

DISCUSSION

French maxillofacial surgeons operated on more mandibular condylar fractures in 2012 than in 2005. As observed in 2005, the lower and the more dislocated the fractures were, the more they were operated on. The high submandibular approach has become the most popular approach. The use of miniplates for bone fixation has become common. Diacapitular fractures were usually treated functionally. The postoperative management varied greatly from one team to the other.