Subcondylar Mandibular Fractures: options, Outcomes, and Challenges in Management

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM PT

Location: 403A

Lead Presenter(s)

James M. Hamilton, MD

Dr. James Hamilton
Emory University School of Medicine
Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Co-Presenter(s)

CW

Candace M. Waters, MD

Assistant Professor, Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States

Two otolaryngologists with a breadth of experience at level 1 trauma centers will present an interactive, case-based, debate-style discussion on mandibular condyle fractures, highlighting real-world decision making in facial trauma management. Going head-to-head with contrasting perspectives, we will illustrate the spectrum of surgical and non-surgical approaches and the factors that guide treatment selection. The session emphasizes practical judgment, nuance, and outcomes over strict adherence to varied outcomes data that has been historically challenging to obtain.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participants will be able to classify and describe the anatomic differences among condylar head, coronoid process, condylar neck, subcondylar, and ramus fractures.
Upon completion, participants will be able to draw on toolbox of surgical approaches, understand key technical steps, and mitigate critical anatomic risks, including facial nerve injury.
Upon completion , participants will appreciate the patient-specific factors and functional goals that influence decision-making between operative and nonoperative management and guide patient-specific treatment selection of condylar and subcondylar fractures of the mandible.