Complications of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandibular Condyle Fractures in Oman

Abstract

Objectives: The management of mandibular condyle fractures by Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) is gaining popularity worldwide. The aim of this study is to report the complication rate associated with ORIF of mandibular condyle fractures in Oman. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among all patients who underwent ORIF of mandibular condyle fractures at Al-Nahdha Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, from January 2008 to December 2020. Data collected included; patient demographics, fracture aetiology, fracture side and type, surgical approach, and recorded complications and outcome. Results: A total of 68 patients (59 males and 9 females, mean age of 30.1 years) with 83 mandibular condyle fractures underwent ORIF during the study period. Subcondylar fracture was the commonest type accounting for 62.7% and bilateral fractures occurred in 21 (30.8%) patients. The most common surgical approach was retromandibular accounting for 42.2%. The overall rate of recorded complications was 42.6% and the commonest reported complications were transient facial nerve palsy (18.1%), followed by malocclusion and restricted mouth opening accounting for 14.7% and 10.3%, respectively. Subsequent surgical intervention to correct malocclusion was performed in six cases. There was no statistically significant difference in overall complications and the patient’s clinical characteristics. Conclusion: Although ORIF of mandibular condyle fractures offers a favourable outcome, it carries a small risk of developing a few complications.

Keywords: Mandibular Fracture; Mandibular Condyle; Open Fracture Reduction; Complications; Facial Nerve Injuries; Oman.