Condylar Head Operative or Conservative 1 (NCT03264196) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Condylar Head Operative or Conservative 1
United Kingdom14 participantsStarted 2018-01-24
Plain-language summary
The condylar head is the part of the lower jaw which forms the joint. Displaced fractures of this area are uncommon but can cause problems with function, such as chewing, if not treated effectively. The medical literature does not have a clear consensus on whether these should be treated operatively (with surgery to reduce and fix the fracture) or conservatively (with advice and exercise and no surgery). The investigators propose a randomised controlled trial comparing the outcome of the operative or conservative treatment of condylar head fractures of the mandible, primarily with regards to patient related outcome measures of mandibular function, and secondarily objective measures of mandibular movement, function and symptoms to try and provide a clearer answer as to the best way of managing them.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 99 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the trial.
* Male or Female, aged 18 years or above.
* Be in good health - suitable for general anaesthesia for surgical treatment
* Willing to allow his or her General Practitioner and consultant, if appropriate, to be notified of participation in the trial.
* Unilateral condylar head fracture with or without other mandibular body or angle fractures, or other maxillofacial injuries
* Condylar head fracture displaced by at least 2 mm measured on coronal or sagittal CT scan
* In the Investigator's opinion, is able and willing to comply with all trial requirements.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Undisplaced condylar head fractures, or displaced less than 2 mm on coronal or sagittal CT
* Bilateral condylar head fractures
* Pre-existing congenital or acquired pathology of the ipsilateral or contralateral temporomandibular joint - including but not limited to ankylosis, inflammatory arthropathy, idiopathic condylar resorption
* Pregnancy (increased risk of joint pain and laxity)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Difference in functional self reported outcome measure