Jaw-Dropping debate: to operate or not?
NCT ID NCT03264196
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at two ways to treat a rare break in the jaw joint (condylar head fracture): surgery to fix the bone, or non-surgical care with advice and exercises. 14 adults with this injury took part. The goal was to see which approach leads to better chewing and jaw function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (surgery to fix the fracture)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could help doctors know whether surgery or non-surgical care is best for this type of jaw fracture, improving recovery and function.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early study with only 14 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The best treatment may still be unclear.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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14 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2018
- Finished
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Sep 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 99 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
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)
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
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University Hospital Coventry
Coventry, Warwickshire, CV2 2DX, United Kingdom