Bilateral mandibular condyle fractures: Should we open both?

Bilateral condylar fractures are common but are frequently undertreated. In most of the cases, only one side is surgically addressed and the other side is managed conservatively. Bilateral condylar fractures lead to loss of ramal height bilaterally, accentuated anterior open bite, disruption of articular surfaces, and disc and muscle attachments. In a mandibular bilateral condylar fracture, even though open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is done on one side, a patient still needs Inter Maxillary Fixation (IMF) for 2-4 weeks postoperatively to correct occlusion and deviation. The possibility of doing ORIF on the other is never explored. Here, we present two cases of bilateral condylar fracture treated both sides by ORIF. The article discusses the advantages and new approach to consider treating both sides.