TREATMENT GUIDELINES FOR CONDYLAR FRACTURES IN ADULTS (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Condylar fractures are related to mandibular fractures with high occurrence among maxillofacial fractures. In the literature there is greater controversy regarding the forms of treatment. For the evaluation of a condylar fracture, a thorough clinical examination is necessary, followed by imaging tests to complement the suggested diagnosis. After the aspects analyzed and pointed out, the surgeon must choose the type of therapeutic approach, either surgical or closed. The main objective of this study was to review the literature on the treatment of condylar fractures, also including the importance of anatomical knowledge of the noble structures close to the region, extra-oral accesses and complications. The methodology used was a literature review through bibliographic research, search for scientific articles in the electronic database PubMed, Scielo and Medline, as well as a search for well-referenced books in the area of ​​oral and maxillofacial surgery. After the eligibility criteria, 21 references were selected that covered the principles of treatment of condylar fractures. It is known among surgeons that several factors must be taken into account when deciding on the best therapeutic approach. Closed treatment is associated with maxillomandibular block and open treatment is related to rigid internal fixation, both have good aesthetic and functional results when well indicated. Thus, it was concluded that both treatments have satisfactory results, with no significant differences between them.