A COMPREHENSIVE NARRATIVE REVIEW OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT CONDYLAR FRACTURES: ETIOLOGY, CLASSIFICATION, DIAGNOSIS, AND CONTEMPORARY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

V. Ronsivalle¹ , M.M. Marrapodi² , M. Cicciù¹ , G. Minervini³

¹ Department of Biomedical and Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, Catania University, Catania, Italy
² Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialist Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
³ Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Odontostomatological Specialties, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy

Correspondence to:

Annals of Stomatology 2025 May-August 5(2): 107-114
https://doi.org/10.69129/stomatol/2025v5iss2_8

Received: 22 July 2025 Accepted: 27 August 2025

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Abstract

This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) condylar fractures, focusing on their etiology, classification, diagnostic approaches, and contemporary management strategies. The narrative synthesis encompasses current literature, emerging trends, and challenges in the field to guide clinicians and researchers in understanding the complexities associated with TMJ condylar fractures. A systematic search of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Lilacs, was conducted to identify pertinent articles published from inception to the present. The selected studies were screened for their contribution to the understanding of TMJ condylar fractures, and critical findings were synthesized to create a narrative overview. The etiology of TMJ condylar fractures involves a diverse range of traumatic incidents, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, and interpersonal violence. Comprehensive classification systems have been developed to categorize these fractures based on anatomical location, displacement, and associated injuries. Diagnostic modalities, such as clinical examination, radiography, and advanced imaging techniques, play pivotal roles in accurate assessment. The review outlines contemporary management strategies, including conservative approaches, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and emerging technologies like 3D printing for personalized treatment plans. Additionally, the narrative explores the importance of rehabilitation and long-term follow- up in achieving optimal outcomes. This narrative review provides a holistic perspective on TMJ condylar fractures, encompassing their etiology, classification, diagnosis, and contemporary management strategies. Clinicians and researchers can use this comprehensive overview to enhance their understanding of these fractures, facilitating improved patient care and guiding future research endeavors in this evolving field.

Keywords: condylar fractures, temporomandibular disorders, temporomandibular joint, TMD, TMJ