"Comparative analysis of Retromandibular approaches to the Condyle: Transparotid versus Anteroparotid Transmasseteric Techniques"- A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This randomized controlled trial includes 20 patients (10 patients for each approach) with mandibular condylar fractures, who will undergo open reduction and internal fixation. In case of bilateral condylar fractures considering 1 fracture site as 1 patient. In all these patients, pre-operative diagnostic radiographs- 3D-CT (3 dimensional computed tomography) of the face, chest X-ray, ECG (electrocardiograph), and laboratory investigations including hematological investigations followed by post- operative OPG (orthopantomogram) scan will be done. Patients will be followed up and specified parameters will be recorded postoperatively on 1st day, 1st week, 1st month and 3rd month.

The study is designed to compare the time taken for exposing the fracture site intra-operatively and compairing post-operative complications – maximal interincisal opening, facial nerve weakness using House - Brackman Scale, infection and wound dehiscence using visual description of WUWHS SWD grading system according to tissue layers involved in the dehiscence (WUWHS, 2018), parotid fistula formation and scar using Stony Brook’s Scar evaluation scale among the two approaches. Any complications encountered during or after the surgery will be managed in accordance with standard medical protocols.