BACKGROUND: The absence of definitive studies about more suitable surgical approach for sub-condylar fractures supports an analysis on Hinds retromandibular approach along the treatment response assessment. METHOD: It was an observational, transversal, retrospective protocol including 31 cases divided in four groups accordingly to the laterality, fracture dislocation, and the association of fractures in other sites. The therapeutic success has been classified according to the need of physiotherapeutic treatment and blockage; dislocation persistence or laterality of buccal opening; reduced amplitude of buccal opening (less than 40mm); presence of moderate to severe pain; or absence of fracture reduction and instability of osteosynthesis. To assess the determinant success factors, the variables gender, age, fracture cause, laterality, dislocation, associated fractures, and fractures sites have been included. The statistic method consisted of cross-association tables with analysis using the non-parametric test, chi-square. In each situation, a significant value of 5% (p< 0.05) was attributed. RESULTS: We obtained total response success in 19 cases (61%) and partial success in 12 cases (39%). We found no association between surgical response variables such as gender, age, fracture cause, and presence of an associated fracture. Lateral dislocations and injury bilateralism have shown a higher frequency of partial success cases. CONCLUSION: The Hinds retromandibular approach showed therapeutic success in most cases with a comprehensive access for reduction of sub-condylar fractures, stable fixation and with no postoperative complications.
Condylar fracture of mandible; Surgery
