Comparing surgical and conservative treatments for jaw fractures

Open Versus Closed Treatment of Intra-articular Fractures of the Mandibular Condyle: a Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT04776473

This study is testing whether surgery or non-surgical treatment works better for adults with certain types of jaw fractures to help them move their jaw more easily after three months.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 84 Years
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Angers and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04776473 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of open surgical treatment versus conservative treatment for intra-articular fractures of the mandibular condyle. It is a multicenter randomized controlled trial where eligible adult patients with specific types of jaw fractures will be randomly assigned to either treatment group. The primary outcome measure is the level of mandibular mobility assessed three months post-treatment, which will help determine the best approach for these fractures. The study addresses a significant gap in current treatment strategies, as no prior randomized controlled trials have compared these two methods directly.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 with specific types of displaced non-comminuted intra-articular fractures of the mandibular condyle.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to surgical treatment, major teeth loss, or a history of TMJ disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery of jaw function for patients with intra-articular fractures.

How similar studies have performed: While there is growing evidence supporting surgical treatment for low-level fractures, this study is novel as it directly compares open versus closed treatment for high condylar fractures.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult (≥18 y-o) \< 85 years
2. Displaced non-comminuted intra-articular fracture of the mandibular condyle (IAFC) as defined by a fracture line above a horizontal line tangent to the mandibular notch
3. Objectifiable induced malocclusion and/or ramus shortening ≥2 mm on CT-scan (a ramus shortening ≥2 mm on CT-scan is necessary in case of other associated mandibular or occluso-facial fractures)
4. Unilateral or bilateral fracture
5. Isolated or associated with other facial / extra-facial skeleton / dental / soft tissue lesions
6. Treatment within 14 days post trauma
7. Affiliation to a social security regime (excepted AME)
8. Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Contraindication to surgical treatment (for any medical or anatomical reason, like comminuted fracture for instance)
2. Major teeth loss or edentulous patient (occlusion impossible to assess)
3. History of mandibular fracture
4. History of temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
5. Dentofacial dysmorphosis causing significant malocclusion
6. Predictable inability to comply with the follow-up
7. Unconsciousness / severe polytrauma
8. Participation in another interventional study

Where this trial is running

Angers and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Intra-articular Fracture of the Mandibular Condyleintra-articular fracturemandibular condylesurgical treatmentconservative treatment
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.