Closed reduction, open reduction, and endoscopic assistance: current thoughts on the management of mandibular condyle fractures

Abstract

The management of fractures of the mandibular condyle continues to be controversial. This is in part attributable to a misinterpretation of the literature from decades prior, a lack of uniformity of classification of the various anatomical components of the mandibular condyle, and a perceived potential to cause harm through the open approach based in part on the surgeon's lack of a critical examination of the literature. This review explores the key historical articles that deal with the management of mandibular condyle fractures, and those modern-day contributions that represent the state of the art. The authors' intention was to provide the reader with an objective summary of the management of this form of injury, to place its management into a modern-day perspective, and perhaps to minimize the perception of controversy.