Classification proposal for fractures of the processus condylaris mandibulae

ObjectiveThe current classification of mandibular condyle fractures as basal, low neck, and high neck as reported by Loukota et al. (Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 43:72-73, 2005) and Neff et al. (Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr 7:S44-S58, 2014) has a weakness. Nearly no high-neck fractures are reported (they are typically classified as type C head fractures) contrary to basal condylar fractures, which are overestimated (nearly all low-neck fractures are classified as basal). The aim of this study is to present a modified AO/SORG classification of mandibular condyle fractures.Material and methodsA new arrangement of the reference lines is proposed because the fracture lines are mainly oblique in this region. The proposed classification was validated using a series of 84 cases that were treated surgically.ResultsThe diagnoses using the proposed new classification system significantly differed from those based on the old system (p<0.005). All basal fractures in the new classification system were also classified as basal in the old system. The same was true for type C head fractures. The differences were found for low-neck fractures (4 of 84 diagnoses differed between the old and new classifications, i.e., they were previously classified as basal fractures) and high-neck fractures (3 of 84 fractures were diagnosed as low-neck fractures or type C head fractures using the old classification).ConclusionThe epidemiology of the condyle injury should be based on a classification, which reveals types of fractures which are represented by factually and frequently observed cases. That is why a relatively common AO/SORG classification can be modified for the benefit of assessing incidences of high-neck and low-neck fractures.Clinical relevanceConsidering that the treatment of the high-neck fractures is much technically complicated than the low-neck ones, this will have an influence on the management of trauma to the area.