Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41146130›Full record

SynthesisBMC oral health2025

Is extracorporeal fixation in mandibular condylar fractures a viable option? a systematic review.

Rafael Alvim Magesty, Ighor Andrade Fernandes, Cláudio Rômulo Comunian, Endi Lanza Galvão, Saulo Gabriel Moreira Falci

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC oral health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Rafael Alvim MagestyDepartment of Dentistry, Federal University dos Vales do Jequitinhonha and Mucuri - UFVJM, Diamantina, 187 - Diamantina, MG, 39100-000, Brazil. rafaelmagesty@live.com.
Ighor Andrade FernandesDepartment of Dentistry, Federal University dos Vales do Jequitinhonha and Mucuri - UFVJM, Diamantina, 187 - Diamantina, MG, 39100-000, Brazil.
Cláudio Rômulo ComunianDepartment of Dentistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Endi Lanza GalvãoPostgraduate Program in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, Department of Physiotherapy, Diamantina Minas Gerais, Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Saulo Gabriel Moreira FalciDepartment of Dentistry, Federal University dos Vales do Jequitinhonha and Mucuri - UFVJM, Diamantina, 187 - Diamantina, MG, 39100-000, Brazil.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMandibular condyle fractures (MCFs) are common injuries, often resulting from trauma and leading to functional complications. Treatment approaches remain debated, with extracorporeal fixation emerging as a potential alternative to conventional methods. This study explores the effectiveness and outcomes of this technique to guide clinical decision-making. MATERIALS AND

methodsA comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, and BVS (VHL) for studies published until August 2024. The review included observational studies and clinical trials that assessed postoperative complications following extracorporeal fixation in MCFs.

resultsThirty-one studies, comprising 436 participants, were included. Data were extracted on trauma etiology, fracture classification, surgical approaches, and complications such as condylar resorption, which was the most common (18.58%). The studies varied in surgical techniques, with submandibular (40.62%) and retromandibular (37.5%) accesses being the most common. Osteosynthesis materials such as miniplates, screws, and wires were frequently used. Follow-up durations ranged from immediate post-operative periods to 15 years. The quality assessment revealed fair to moderate study quality, with observational studies generally showing methodological limitations, such as sample size issues and heterogeneity in surgical technique and follow-up. Despite concerns about condylar resorption and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, most studies reported that these complications did not significantly affect function or occlusion.

conclusionsExtracorporeal fixation of MCFs offers a promising alternative in cases with limited condylar access where conventional methods may fail. Despite a higher risk of condylar resorption, studies suggest minimal long-term functional impairment. This technique remains viable for complex fractures. However, robust clinical trials are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes, particularly regarding resorption and postoperative recovery, given their potential to affect mandibular function, occlusion, and temporomandibular joint health.

Indexed as

Fracture Fixation, InternalMandibular CondyleMandibular FracturesHumansPostoperative ComplicationsFracture osteosynthesisJaw fracturesMandibular condyleMaxillofacial surgeryTemporomandibular joint

Identifiers

PMID41146130
PMCPMC12560547

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.