A two-center evaluation of the effect of classification type on the reported incidence of mandibular condyle fractures

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Abstract
Background. Since there is no ideal classification of mandibular condyle fractures, there have been several attempts to make this issue clearer for clinicians as well as facilitating communication. In 2018, new classification including improved arrangement of the reference lines was introduced. The aim of the study is to present a two-center evaluation of the effect of different classification types on the reported incidence of mandibular condyle fractures in a five times larger research sample than previously. Materials and methods. Two classification types were validated using a series of 431 cases from Ukrainian and Polish databases. Information was obtained from clinical notes and computed tomography scans of each patient using a standardized data collection form, then statistical analysis was performed. Results. It was noted that the difference between classifications result varied more in Ukraine than in Poland (p < 0.01); thus, Ukrainian data may be more susceptible to AO & SORG & IBRA classification complexities. In Poland, 2018 Kozakiewicz scheme is probably better recognizable, whilst in Ukraine it may significantly improve the representation of mandibular neck fractures in epidemiological descriptions. Conclusions. At the moment, both the AO & SORG & IBRA and Kozakiewicz classifications are equally effective, but the meaning of an established diagnosis is slightly different in each of them due to localization of reference lines.

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