Abstract
This article reviews the basic concept for the diagnosis and treatment of mandibular condylar fractures. In the diagnosis and primary treatment, CT images and occlusal reduction with intermaxillary elastics are important. TMJ irrigation for traumatic arthritis induced by condylar fracture may contribute to the remission of TMJ pain during mandibular motion exercise, resulting in early recovery of mandibular function. The criteria for indication of open reduction and internal fixation （ORIF） for condylar fractures are described from the viewpoint of recovery of original occlusion and acceptable mandibular function within at least 3 to 6 months. In the past, several approaches for ORIF and their clinical usefulness were reported, and the supremacy of the high perimandibular approach was suggested on the basis of the difficulty of securing sufficient surgical space for ORIF and risk of facial nerve disturbance. Additionally, the surgical points and applicable limitations of the single high perimandibular approach are described, with the presentation of cases.
