HIGH SUBCONDYLAR FRACTURES: SURGICAL VERSUS FUNCTIONAL TREATMENT

Introduction:- Mandibular condylar process fractures represent a frequent location of mandibular fractures. Management of high subcondylar fractures remains debated, particularly because of the difficulty of surgical exposure and the proximity of the facial nerve. The choice between open reduction and internal fixation and functional treatment depends on fracture displacement, occlusal disturbance, joint involvement, and the clinical context. Objective:-To evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes of high subcondylar fractures in our unit and to compare the outcomes of surgical and functional treatment. Patients and Methods This was a retrospective study of 22 patients with high subcondylar fractures treated in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital (HMIMV).Fourteen patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation, while eight received functional treatment consisting of early active mandibular rehabilitation without immobilization or maxillomandibular fixation. Two surgical approaches were used: the high subangulomandibular (SMH) approach and the retromandibular (RM) approach.